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.

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Explore our work to protect students' rights through litigation, advocacy, and education.

Know Your Student Rights

Publication | Guide
Jun 3, 2021
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  • Students’ Rights|
  • +1 Issue

Student Activism 101

STUDENT ACTIVISM 101: A quick guide to getting started, getting the word out, finding funding, and fighting for the the change you seek.

The Latest

Resource
Blue voting bubble graphic with "2026 RI Midterm Candidate Survey Civil Liberties Edition" on a cream colored background. ACLU of RI logo in lower right corner.

RI Midterm Primary Candidate Questions: Civil Liberties Edition

We sent a survey of civil liberties questions to all the candidates running for statewide office (except for Treasurer) that will be on the ballot in the 2026 Rhode Island midterm elections, as well as the Providence mayoral candidates.
News & Commentary
Dark green and light yellow graphic including photo of the backs of two high school students wearing backpacks.

ACLU of RI Gains Settlement for Pawtucket Student Unlawfully Handcuffed, Arrested by School Resource Officer in 2019

“At the age of thirteen, our client stood up for her own right and the right of other school children to receive an education instead of being criminalized by the public school system."
News & Commentary
Yellow and blue graphic with an adult holding a young child.

Closure Reached in Suit Against Providence for Failing to Provide Special Education Services to Preschool Children

Closure reached in a federal class-action lawsuit filed in May 2023 against the Providence school district and the R.I. Department of Education, alleging that hundreds of children with disabilities between the ages of three and five were routinely not receiving critical and legally-required special education services.
Resource
Light blue background with images of the RI State House and a screenshot of the ACLU of RI's Legislative Dashboard webpage.

Legislative Session Dashboard

Learn more about some of our priority bills this Legislative Session, with resources to take action!
Campaign
Jan 2020

CAMPAIGN: The School-to-Prison Pipeline