Activism
There are appropriate steps that should be taken if you, as a
student, find yourself in a position where you must defend your
rights. Here are those steps:
First, make sure your constitutional rights have been violated.
Imagine the embarrassment of finding out that you were wrong
and that you don’t have the right to do “x, y or
z.” If you have any question about whether or not your
rights have been violated, please refer to this site, post a
question on the forum asking where to find the appropriate information or write to the Rutherford Institute's Legal Department.
Second, control your frustration. There are few things more frustrating
than being denied your God-given rights. However, if you don’t
present yourself in a professional, self-controlled manner, you
will be much less effective then you could be. Furthermore, it
will be used against you if a mediator of some kind is needed,
be it a school counselor or a judge. If, while trying to defend
your rights, you’ve already lost your temper in some way,
apologize immediately to the offended party and then try to make
your case.
Third, document everything. Be as clear and concise as possible
while taking notes. You will forget important statements and
facts if you trust them to memory so write everything down and
make sure that you are accurate.
Fourth, tell an adult (who would be willing to help you) about
your situation. I would suggest telling a parent or guardian,
pastor or adult youth leader. At this point, avoid getting other
school officials involved.
Fifth, approach the guilty party or individual with your case.
In most cases teachers and administrators are so busy trying
to do their jobs that they simply are unaware of when they’ve
violated a student’s constitutional rights. Therefore,
try to inform them about your rights before going to their supervisor(s).
If you are uncomfortable approaching this person or group by
yourself, ask an adult who understands your situation to accompany
you. If it applies to your situation, feel free to print off
the appropriate “take action” document to help clarify
your position. Remember, it should not be your desire to attack
an individual who has denied you your rights as an act of vengeance.
You are trying to defend our rights. It could be that once your
teacher or administrator is informed, he or she will grant you
your rights.
Sixth, if a teacher or administrator has denied you your rights
and will not correct his or her error, then approach a supervisor
(an administrator or board of education.) Make sure to be clear
about how your rights were violated when presenting your issue.
Once you have pled your case, show the supervisor(s) the appropriate “take
action” document, signed by the teacher or administrator
who limited your rights. Continue up the ladder of supervisors
until the issue is resolved. If the issue is not resolved then;
Seventh, contact the Rutherford Institute for legal advice and
possibly legal representation.
It is important and right to do everything in your power to avoid
litigation (suing the school.) Yet, if you have tried every step
above, but still have not been granted your rights, there is
little other choice but to litigate.
Finally, by definition activism is, “The use of direct, often confrontational
action… in opposition to or support of a cause.” (dictionary.com)
Unfortunately, becoming active against those who would deny you
your rights is usually a very hard and uncomfortable thing to
do. However, it is the right thing to do.
The signers of the Declaration of Independence were activists.
Those responsible for the Constitution were activists. Our troops
are activists. All of them have one thing in common- they stood
up and are standing up for what was right, despite the hardships
they've faced. We pray that this web site will empower
you to do the same. God bless.
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