Q: Need help with unlawful search and seizure.
I am a high school student in Oregon at a public school. I have a large group of friends, 15+. 2 of them got caught and punished for vaping in the bathroom a few days ago. Today, all of us were sitting at lunch in a group of 15+ kids and the principal came to us and said that specifically our group, if 3 or more of us walk into the bathroom together it's an automatic search. They state that this only applies to our friend group. is this illegal?
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A:
In schools, administrators have some authority to conduct searches to maintain a safe environment. However, these searches must be reasonable and based on specific concerns, not just targeting a particular group without justification. If the principal is singling out your friend group without a valid reason, this could raise legal concerns regarding fairness and equal treatment.
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, but in a school setting, the standards are somewhat different. Schools can implement policies that allow for searches if there is reasonable suspicion that a rule is being broken. However, policies that apply only to one specific group without clear evidence of wrongdoing may be seen as discriminatory or violating your rights.
It might be helpful to discuss this situation with a trusted adult, such as a parent or a legal advisor, who can provide guidance based on the specific details of your case. Understanding your rights and the school's policies can empower you to address any potential issues appropriately.
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