The rights of students in schools

Teens have nearly the same amount of privilege that adults have in the real world. Even further, some students, especially ones attending higher levels of school, start forming the mental capability and maturity to make their own decisions that will help them in their futures. This concept, enacted to its full potential and respected enough to treat them as the young adolescents they are, is a hard pill to swallow for some adults.

The older generation looking down on the younger generation has always been a thing of the times. Even generations that are deemed to be “old” have had their fair share of the experience. Adults in general and in the educational workspace generally tend to be too overprotective that they come off strict, judgmental, and “stuck in their old ways.” At times, this can make teenagers feel inferior. However, everyone has the right to equality no matter the uncontrollable factor of age.

“We [students] should have as much freedom as we deserve, and also be treated like proper beings,” said Deerfield Beach High School sophomore Dangely Duron. “We should not be seen as less by people in high positions or of older age just because we are young.”

Students’ rights nowadays vary from being able to speak their minds, protest, hand out flyers, and dress with freedom, as long as it does not disrupt the class or the school policies. Teachers are not allowed to reprimand a student for a silent protest, such as refusing to stand for the pledge of allegiance. Which has a long history of being ruled constitutional then unconstitutional, back and forth, since the 1940s. Although, a majority of experiences tell the story of these rights not being upheld properly.

“I get the dress code should be appropriate for school, but a lot of girls feel the judgment that comes from wearing a simple tank top, that doesn’t even distract anyone, yet guys can wear those sheer white wife beaters out in the open with no consequence,” said DBHS junior Lupita Rodriguez.

While students feel that this is true and consider it a major point of discrimination, it is also important to remember that it’s not an excuse to break the rules to make a point or put others down. Students should remember not to use their rights as an offense against someone or use them to get away with things that are generally or morally wrong, such as vulgar jokes and speech about others. Rights are to ensure freedom and happiness, not a stepping stool to bullying.

“Honestly, students should know what they are entitled to and not allow themselves to be torn down by people like teachers,” said DBHS sophomore Marely Mondragón. “But at the same time, they cannot use that as an excuse to act entirely out of terms and bully their classmates or even teachers, then try to turn it around and say their rights have been violated just because they get told to behave properly.”

Teachers try their best to stop these instances but it’s not without the compliance and understanding of students that it becomes effective nationwide. At the same time, students’ rights should also be protected in order to prevent resent which can only do worse for both agendas.

Stepping on school grounds should not strip a scholar of their rights as it is. It shouldn’t be overstepped by students either. At the end of the day a classroom is always a dynamic between the teacher and their students; adults who are trying to do their job and adolescents that are figuring their way through life.

Written by Julianah Cha Pit | Graphic Designed by Kamar Maaz

Published October 5, 2023 | ePathfinder | Perspectives