Legal Question in Education Law in South Carolina

Son

I have a son that is a 10th grader in a local High School. At this school there is a written rule that cell phones are not to be brought on campus. My son was caught with his. The phone was off. My question is: Does the vice princpal have the right to turn on his phone and go through my sons messages?


Asked on 3/27/07, 2:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Hyatt E.H. Robinson Law, LLC

Re: Son

Unfortunately, privacy laws are almost totally suspended in a public school. Bookbags, cars, lockers, all may be searched. The only thing I would argue here is that those searches are for health and safety reasons, and a search of your son's messages hardly constitutes a search for drugs or guns. However, because cell phones are "contraband" on school property, he would have the right under policy to seize the phone.

If there are other issues you'd like me to consider, feel free to give me a call.

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Answered on 3/27/07, 2:19 pm


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