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

News & Commentary
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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
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Legislative Session Dashboard

Learn more about some of our priority bills this Legislative Session, with resources to take action!
News & Commentary
Advocates Sue the State of Rhode Island Over Failure to Provide Mental Health Care for Medicaid-Eligible Children

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.
News & Commentary
Letter to Department of Education Calls for Immediate Action to Address Providence School Bus Transportation Fiasco

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.
Legislation
Apr 20, 2026

Academic Data Collection for Students in Foster Care (H 8362)

Status: Held for Further Study
Position: Support and Amend
Legislation
Apr 18, 2026

Arming Campus Police (S 2053, H 7128)

Status: Held for Further Study
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Apr 17, 2026

Student Housing License (H 8363, S 3161)

Status: Held for Further Study
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Apr 16, 2026

University Police Detentions (H 8293, S 2279)

Status: Held for Further Study
Position: Oppose