Students’ Rights
Protecting the rights of students is key because most people’s first major encounter with the government is in the school setting. For students to appreciate the importance of civil liberties, it is critical that their rights be protected in school.
Explore our work to protect students' rights through litigation, advocacy, and education.
Know Your Student Rights
Aug 01, 2021
Aug 01, 2021
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Students & The First Amendment
The information below is about the First Amendment rights of K-12 public school students in Rhode Island. Keep in mind that school policies on...
Aug 01, 2021
Aug 01, 2021
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: School Discipline
Below is some information regarding student rights and school discipline policies. The information here applies specifically to K-12 public...
Aug 01, 2021
Aug 01, 2021
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Students & Technology
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the rights of K-12 public school students in RI as they relate to technology and social...
The Latest
Advocates Sue the State of Rhode Island Over Failure to Provide Mental Health Care for Medicaid-Eligible Children
Following years of glaring failures in Rhode Island’s behavioral health system for children and youth, Disability Rights Rhode Island, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, and Children’s Rights today filed a class action lawsuit against the State for denying Medicaid-eligible children and youth their right to appropriate mental health care.
Letter to Department of Education Calls for Immediate Action to Address Providence School Bus Transportation Fiasco
Responding to a “catastrophic” failure of school transportation services in Providence that left many students with disabilities stranded in getting to or from school last week, the ACLU of Rhode Island, joined by the R.I. Center for Justice, today sent a letter to state Dept. of Education.
Cases, Campaigns & Legislation
Jul 17, 2023
Parents Leading for Educational Equity v. Providence Public School Department
Citing “systemic failures to comply with federal law,” cooperating attorneys for the ACLU of Rhode Island and the R.I. Center for Justice have today filed a federal class-action lawsuit against the Providence school district and the R.I. Department of Education
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