Student Rights & Responsibilities
Conduct Off
School Grounds
Students do not automatically leave the control of the school authorities
once they leave the school grounds. It is well settled in the law that
school officials have the authority to control student conduct off school
grounds and outside school hours. As early as 1859, a boy, overheard to
make a derogatory comment about his teacher, "Old Jack Seaver," outside of
the school day and off school grounds, was disciplined the following day for
his remarks. The court upheld the punishment because the boy's remarks
could undermine management of the school. More recent cases have supported
this position.
Even when students are engaged in
school-sponsored activities after school hours, they are still subject to the
authority of school officials whether or not the activity occurs on school
property. In situations where the behavior was not part of a school-sponsored
activity, school officials may still discipline students for out-of-school
activities when that conduct may affect the safety and well-being of the
student, other students, or school officials. Disciplinary action may also be
considered when the activity causes damage to school property or makes
management of the school more difficult. |
