Principals claim right to search cell phones
By Tyler B. Reed/ Daily News Staff
Friday, July 7, 2006 - Updated: Jul 8, 2006 02:04 PM EST
FRAMINGHAM -- High school administrators under a new policy are
claiming the right to snatch information stored in students' cell
phones when they search for drugs or stolen property at school.
The change clarifies the school's search and seizure policy,
adding cell phones to the list of places school officials can snoop
if they suspect a student has contraband.
Federal law says school officials need only "reasonable
suspicion" of the presence of drugs or stolen goods to conduct
searches.
"We reserve the right to look through the cell phone," Principal
Michael Welch said. "It would be no different than if a student were
to have a notebook. We've had instances of graffiti. We've looked
through a notebook and found identical instances of graffiti."
The apparent broadening of principals' search rights drew
criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts.
...
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=134730
Students cry foul over cell phone policy: Teens say officials are
'overreacting' and violating their privacy
By Eric Athas/ Daily News Correspondent
Saturday, July 8, 2006 - Updated: 02:04 PM EST
FRAMINGHAM -- Fearing their wireless freedom may be in jeopardy,
students at Framingham High School were fuming over a new school
policy that allows administrators to seize cell phones and search
their contents.
The policy, administrators say, is to improve security and stop
the sale of drugs and stolen goods, but students said that the edict
is an invasion of privacy.
...
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=134816
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