Bill of Rights Article Analysis

            "Strip-Search of Girl Tests Limit of School Policy" by Adam Liptak

            In regards to a strip-search in an Arizona middle school ten years ago, a Supreme Court case was presented to the U.S. Court of Appeals and ruled unconstitutional.  Thirteen-year-old Savana Redding, who was accused of carrying prescription Ibuprofen, was searched by her school officials who had not obtained a warrant.  Some believed that the board of education’s decision was constitutional because they had probable cause.  On the other hand, many others felt that the search was completely unconstitutional because it was an invasion of privacy was an example of unreasonable search and seizure.   The search was an invasion of privacy and violated the Fourth Amendment.  The school tried to justify their decision by claiming that they had a specified reason, which proved false.  They later accused Savana of serving alcohol at a party earlier that year.  She was found innocent of carrying either substance. 

            Although the school was trying to prevent any negative activity, it was unnecessary for the officials to require this type of violating search.  Massively at fault, the school explained that their act of invading a student’s privacy and causing embarrassment and discomfort was “not excessively intrusive”.  After an emotionally scarring experience, Savana felt so socially humiliated that she needed to be homeschooled.  This amount of emotional trauma should not have occurred, especially since no evidence turned up in any search.    After the T.L.O. case, schools were given the right to search students’ bags; however, it was still not allowed for them to search any possessions being carried directly on a student.  Not only did they invade her rights without a warrant, but they also did not explain why she was being searched.  Savana stated that she was not questioned or spoken to before two school officials conducted the routine.  Her school suspected that she and a close friend of hers were carrying prescription drugs.  Neither was found to be carrying the suspected substance.  The school officials had no solid reason to believe Savana could have been carrying the drugs.  The principal simply believed she was in violation of the antidrug policy and made a feeble attempt to enforce it.  Savana, who was known to be a good student with no record, was forced into an uncomfortable and violating situation that infringed upon the rights given to her by the United States Bill of Rights.