Legislation

There were a number of bills introduced this year seeking to improve school security by imposing police-type enforcement measures into the school setting, including one buried within the 2019 budget.

There were a number of bills this year seeking to improve school security by imposing law enforcement-type enforcement measures into the school setting. Among those was a proposal requiring that ten percent of school aid be allocated to school safety measures.

This legislation sought to require all higher education institutions to arm their campus police, regardless of the wishes of school administrators or students.

A Joint Resolution was introduced which proposed to put before voters a Constitutional amendment establishing the right to an adequate education for Rhode Island’s youth as a fundamental and judicially enforceable right.

Legislation introduced this year highlighted the absurdity of the current policy by also allowing students to bring to school over-the-counter products to treat menstrual cramps or vaginal yeast infections without a doctor’s or parent’s note.

In recent years, school districts statewide have begun handing out school-owned computers for at-home use by students. These devices carry virtually no privacy protections, allowing schools to spy on students at home.

Legislation introduced will require that a minor have a parent or guardian present during questioning by law enforcement.

The General Assembly considered, but did not act on, legislation ensuring that student newspapers share the same press freedom as other newspapers.

Statewide, Internet filters used by school districts block considerably more information than is required by federal law, often without prior warning, derailing classroom lessons and hindering the ability of students to complete homework.