(NOTE: This policy seems to be clearly unconstitutional. A School Board resolution doesn’t invalidate the Fourth Amendment. Unless the policy is reconsidered and rejected, or enjoined by a court, this district is begging for a lawsuit. A search is a search is a search. -Mike)
KOMO News reports that Oak Harbor School District (OHSD) is proposing a policy that would allow school officials to search students’ cell phones. OHSD believes the policy is necessary in order for the district to comply with recent state legislation requiring school districts to toughen up on cyber bullying and sexting. The policy would allow school administrators to review anything in a student’s cell phone, including text messages, pictures, and videos. While school officials see it as a proactive approach to keep students safe, some parents and students oppose the policy on the grounds it is an invasion of privacy and an intrusion on parental prerogative to discipline their own child.