Student Handbook
Learn all you need to know about young peoples’ freedom of speech and expression, censorship, legal rights, LGBT rights, harassment, reproductive and medical rights, locker searches, and more.
Even though you’re not yet 21, or even 18, you have some basic constitutional rights under federal and Iowa law. This handbook, created by the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, is a solid guide to help young people understand their rights—and to stand up for them!
Topics covered include:
- Freedom of speech, including censorship of student publications
- Oaths, prayers, and religious instruction in schools
- How to work with schools to fight for your constitutional rights
- Dress codes and T-shirts
- Discrimination and bullying
- Body and locker searches
- Birth control, pregnancy, and medical rights
- Drinking and drugs
- Getting kicked out of school and other punishment
- Trouble with the law
- Immigration issues
- Technology/computer rights
- Step-by-step instructions on how students can advocate for their rights
To order, simply email us at editor@aclu-ia.org and specify the number of copies needed. Within reason, we are happy mail multiple copies to clubs, advocacy groups, schools, offices, churches and other organizations. Printing of the book is planned for October.
"... I'm just 15, but I already has a passion for civil rights. I have two lesbian moms, but I didn’t start caring about civil rights until this school year. I like to think my passion for equality is shared by all ACLU members."
