Shelton, Connecticut Students Subject of Illegal Search by Teacher
Two students at Milford, Connecticut’s Pine Academy, based in the Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys & Girls Club, were allegedly subjected to an illegal and humiliating search when they were ordered to open their drawers (their pants) on authority of the principal, to allow two male teachers to look beneath their clothing for money another teacher claimed was missing. This type of search is not allowed. If true, the illegal search on school grounds is not only an invasion of the students’ privacy, but could expose Milford and its Board of Education to civil penalties, including compensatory and/or punitive damages under both state and federal civil rights laws.
Whenever a student suffers serious personal injuries, or is otherwise exposed to a wrong at school, or when a student claims his rights were violated, both the town and the board of education, which operates as an independent entity in Connecticut, can be held responsible. However, state and federal laws have notice requirements whenever a claim is to be made against a town, municipality or board of education, which can be as short as 180 days from the date of the occurrence. The notice must be in strict compliance with the requirements, or all bets are off, and the claim will be barred.
If you suspect that your child suffered serious personal injuries, or was the victim of inappropriate conduct while at school, or under school supervision and authority, you should consult a qualified Connecticut personal injury attorney to ensure your rights are protected.
Strip searches probed; principal on leave, Connecticut Post, On-line edition, Melvin Mason Staff Writer 12-11-08
