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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

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.
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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.
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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.
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Back-to-School: Know Your Rights

Published: 
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
This back-to-school season, we’ve compiled a list of resources to help equip students, parents, and teachers with the critical information they need to understand and protect their rights.
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Book Bans and the Right to Read in Washington

Published: 
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Pushing back on censorship and advocating for the importance of keeping books —and therefore knowledge and ideas — available.
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Book bans in Washington and the vital importance of being able to read, write, and say what you want

Published: 
Thursday, August 22, 2024
ACLU affiliates across the country celebrate Banned Books Week, following a legacy of vigilantly defending the First Amendment and the right to free speech.
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Book banning in Washington state: An FAQ

Published: 
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Learn about book bans in Washington and what you can do to prevent them.
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Joint statement on preliminary injunction ruling in Legal Counsel for Youth and Children, et. al. v. State of Washington

News Release, Published: 
Friday, June 21, 2024
Joint statement on preliminary injunction ruling in Legal Counsel for Youth and Children, et. al. v. State of Washington
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