Student Rights Icon

Student Rights

For liberty to be preserved, it must be nurtured in the hearts and minds of young people. The ACLU educates students about the many important rights they have and supports those who exercise their rights. In doing so, we help to prepare the next generation of guardians of liberty.

REPORT: Washington Schools Routinely Physically Restrain and Isolate Students

Advocates call on the Legislature to Clarify the Law and Adopt Reforms to Protect Students 

Resources

Parent Advocacy Groups and a Coalition of Head Start Providers File Lawsuit to Stop Trump Administration’s Dismantling of Head Start

News Release, Published: 
Monday, April 28, 2025
A coalition of parents and Head Start providers filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s coordinated and unlawful efforts to dismantle the Head Start program.
Read more

ACLU of Washington Comment on Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Decision to Maintain Current Eligibility Rules for School Sports

News Release, Published: 
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
After a legal review by the Washington state Attorney General’s office, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has decided not to change its policies regarding transgender student participation in scholastic sports.
Read more

ACLU of Washington comment on recent revocations of student visas in Washington

News Release, Published: 
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Multiple students at institutions in Washington have had their visas revoked without notice or justification.
Read more

ACLU of Washington comment on ruling in Legal Counsel for Youth and Children, et. al. v. State of Washington

News Release, Published: 
Friday, January 24, 2025
A King County Superior Court judge in Seattle has sided with defendants in Legal Counsel for Youth and Children, et. al. v. State of Washington, allowing the implementation and enforcement of Initiative 2081.
Read more

Know Your Rights: Police In Schools

Document, Published: 
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Many schools have police officers stationed on campus. Other schools may call police to respond to particular situations. Even though you are in school, you still have rights when interacting with police.
Read more

Guide to School Board Advocacy in Washington

Document, Published: 
Thursday, September 5, 2024
This publication is designed to serve as a tool for students, parents, guardians, and other community members who want to communicate and advocate before their school board.
Read more

Pages