It is sometimes difficult to navigate through the daily activities that are common on a college campus, including attending classes, being involved in various activities, and meeting deadlines. However, do you know your rights as a student?
It is important to know some of these rights so that you can protect your interests as you pursue your college education. Let’s break it down so you’re informed.
Your Freedom of Expression
Were you aware that your voice counts? Even if you have a different opinion and nobody seems to support you as a student, you have a right to speak your mind.
The First Amendment tells public colleges and universities that they may not restrict your freedom of speech unless there is a good reason. This means expressing opinions in debates, contributing articles for campus publications, and engaging in peaceful demonstrations.
Still, one should note that this right is not unlimited. There are exceptions for hate speech, harassment, and advocating violence. Moreover, private colleges may have their own set of rules; hence, it is advisable to check the student handbook of your college.
Your Privacy Rights
Are you still not sure whether the college can access your personal information or whether you can be searched in your dorm room? The fact of the matter is that every student has the right to privacy. In general, the police cannot search your room when you are in college or even in your dorm without your permission or if there is a good cause, like the safety of the people.
Also, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is for you. This federal law is to ensure that your educational records are protected. This means that your grades and other information about you will not be disclosed by your school to anyone, not even your parents, in case you are a minor or in an emergency, without your permission.
Your Safety Right
Every student has the right to feel safe on the campus. Colleges should provide a secure environment for students to reside and acquire their education.
This is because the Clery Act requires that schools have safety measures in place and share information on crimes that take place on campus. You have the right to report any situation that makes you uncomfortable to the local police as well as the campus police.
Also, schools need to have clear policies on discrimination, sexual harassment, and assault. As per Title IX, it is illegal to discriminate against women and men, and it also ensures that if you make a complaint, you will get a fair investigation.
The Right to Use Resources
Do you have mental health problems, or are you having a hard time with your schoolwork? Do not worry; you have a right to help, as there are also many students like you. Most colleges have academic resources such as libraries, career services, and tutoring centers to assist you.
Your school may have counseling services that can help with mental health issues. It also helps that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. These resources are meant to ensure that you are well equipped for the task ahead, be it more time in the exam hall or classrooms that are wheelchair friendly.
Your Right to Establish or Join Groups
Do you want to find or create a club that fits your passion? Why not? This means colleges cannot deny you from forming or being a member of student organizations. This is especially true for campus organizations as they are in a good position to help you make friends with similar interests, whether it is a recreational team, a political club, or a cultural one.
However, these clubs must meet certain conditions set by your school and the non-discrimination laws. If you think that your organization is being discriminated against, do not hesitate to speak your mind to the campus officials.
The Right to Equitable Treatment
This means you also have a right to be treated like any other human being in this universe. Schools must treat students equally at all times, and this is especially the case in cases of discipline. Everyone has the right to their legal rights and due process in case of an offense.
You have the right to know what you are accused of and should be allowed to seek further remedy if you are found to have violated certain campus policies. This is to ensure that the decisions being made are not just actuated by whims and prejudices.
Your Right to an Inclusive Environment
It will be good for colleges to be places of learning, growth, and accommodation for all. There should not be any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or disability, as they are against the law. It is important to know that you have the right to make a complaint in case of any form of discrimination or exclusion.
Such concerns can be taken to your institution’s diversity and inclusion office or a similar department. Also, most universities have anonymous reporting systems, which make it easy to report issues without the fear of retaliation.
The Right to Be Aware of Your Rights
It may seem trivial, but you should know that you have rights. These rights are stipulated by your school’s student policies, student handbook, and code of conduct. Take some time to go through them and ensure that you know each one by heart in case someone wants to harm you.
It is okay to seek further explanation if the matter is not very clear. Information can be obtained from legal aid services, student representatives, or even campus administrators.
How to Handle a Violation of Your Rights
So, if you feel that your rights are being infringed in any way, you have options and don’t have to worry. The first thing that you have to do is to report the events that have occurred. You should also document the sequence of events that happened, the people who were involved in the events and the time it happened. This will be very helpful in the future if you are to do anything with it.
Therefore, the second thing that you should do is report to the ombudsman or the student advocacy office in your school. They can help you know how to make a complaint or even the steps that are followed in handling a complaint. In case of need, it is always advisable to seek legal advice, for instance, in a case of discrimination or any other violation of the law.