 |
Speak Up! - View Question #464 |
 printer friendly version
Question: I was suspended from school for fighting. My dad said its constitutional right to go to school. Is he right?
Answer: No, there is no constitutional right to an education. The United States Constitution does provide many protections for civil rights, such as the right to free speech and the free practice of religion. However, there is no specific constitutional protection for the right to education. Education is a benefit and one that can be taken away.
But with that said, once the government decides to provide schooling, they must do so in a constitutional manner, such as allowing you to give your side of the story if they were to permanently expel you. This is referred to as Due Process of Law.
In your case, the school is likely under a legal duty (or obligation) to suspend you for fighting, because they are required to keep order and ensure the safety of other students. It's best for all of us in the United States not to take education for granted. It is a benefit that we can loose if we don't follow the rules.
|
[ 
