If you have a question or concern about special education law, school administration, federal standards, or the overall rights of a student, please feel free to call the expert education law attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. in Westport today at (203) 221-3100.

Parents of high school students in Georgia have filed a federal class action suit against a sheriff’s office. The suit stems from allegations that about 40 officers conducted an illegal search of 900 students.

The Story

On April 14th, 2017, the Worth County Sheriff’s office received a tip that a “target list” of thirteen high-school students possessed drugs. Although only three of the students were in school that day, Hobby placed the entire school on “lock-down.” The lock-down began when about forty uniformed officers arrived at the school around 8:00 am. The officers interrupted classes, and directed students to remain in specified areas without explanation. Then, they proceeded to conduct an invasive search nearly every student.

Officers conducted the searches in an aggressive manner, and in full view of other students. They ordered students to stand facing the wall with their hands and legs spread wide apart. Then, they felt inside their clothing and underwear. While doing so, the officers touched students’ breasts and genitals, and exposed several students’ breasts. Additionally, dogs sniffed students’ cars and belongings, and officers seized students’ cell phones. The officers performed this massive search without a warrant, or permission from the school. Meanwhile, none of the students were in possession of any contraband.

The Lawsuit

The Plaintiffs filed a class-action complaint in federal court on June 1, 2017. The complaint alleges that the Sheriff violated the students’ constitutional rights by conducting searches without individualized suspicion. The Plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages and punitive damages, as well as a declaratory judgment stating that “a law enforcement officer violates a student’s rights under the United States and Georgia Constitutions when he conducts a search of the student’s body absent voluntary consent or individualized suspicion that the student has violated the law.”

If you suspect that your child’s rights at school may have been violated, contact the experienced education law attorneys today at 203-221-3100, or by email at JMaya@mayalaw.com. We have the experience and knowledge your child needs at this critical juncture. We serve clients in both New York and Connecticut including New Canaan, Bridgeport, White Plains, and Darien.