Strip-Searched

Strip-searched at school? I am appalled and disappointed in an administration that would take a “witch hunt” that far.  They left that child scared for life.  Strip-searches on young children have lasting psychological affects that can be equated to the psychological affects of sexual abuse.  The bottom line is that these people had no right to search that student.  They are not trained.  If they suspected drugs they should have called the authorities; let the police handle.  Another point is that they didn't have anything to go on besides one students word of where she got Ibuprofen. An over-the-counter drug for mild headaches and pain.  I would hate to work in a school district where they strip-search students.  As a teacher I know it is our job as educators to protect our students from all harm, including drugs.  Therefore, I have no problem with searches of backpacks and lockers.  I do, however, have a problem with having young children take their close off in front of unqualified people.  Since when is a nurse and secretary equipped with the skills for a strip-search? 

When I was in high school we had frequent locker searches and a few book bag searches throughout the school year.  I went to an urban critical needs high school, where the problem of drugs and weapons was prevalent. The police were a familiar face at my school.  Yes, there was tension at times.  Especially, when we'd have a lockdown and be in class for hours while they searched our lockers, but there still was that trust.  No one felt violated.  We all understood that our locker and book bags were "fair game." I think it would have been a different story if strip-searches were allowed, more kids would have dropped out of school and there would have been a distrust of the administration and teachers.

If students are afraid to come to school, for fear of being strip-searched, the focus shift from teaching and learning, dramatically affecting curriculum and instruction.  I'll be honest I am not actually entirely sure how and curriculum and instruction will be affected by strip-searching.  Curriculum will not change much if any.  I think perhaps schools will be sure to impress the importance of being a good citizen and in that maintain a harsh drug free policy.  I do know that the relationship between student and teacher will change forever. Students must feel as if they can confide in their teachers.  If they feel that they cannot trust their teacher there will be much anxiety and tension in the classroom, making instruction more difficult. For the students' sake and teachers and administration's sake I hope that the Supreme Court rules that this kind of action is inappropriate, unjustified and illegal.  Schools have no right to order strip-searches of students.  I look forward to seeing the ruling of this case.