Are You Ready to Vote?
The Ohio Legislature has passed legislation
that could make it harder for you to vote. Learn how to
register and ensure
your ballot is counted.
Ohio law allows high school seniors who are at least 17 years old to serve as poll
workers. Contact your local board of
elections for details.
Know Your Rights
You have the right to express yourself! Protect yourself from illegal searches and
unjust punishments by knowing your rights at school
and with the
police.
- Cell phone searches: The ACLU of Ohio has heard
reports of school officials seizing and searching students’ cell phones. Read an ACLU
letter to the Ohio School Board Association urging schools to cease searching
students’ phones.
- Criminalization of online speech: Many school districts are actively
monitoring social networking sites for student activity. The ACLU of Ohio has sent letters
to Ohio superintendents offering clarity on the constitutionality of discipline for students'
online speech.
- Sexting: Teens around the state have been threatened with prosecution
for "sexting," the act of sending explicit photos via cell phone. The ACLU of Ohio has urged
prosecutors not to charge juveniles with sex crimes, but rather to require education
about the risks of "sexting".
Learn more about your rights during
prom season, at the
doctor’s office, or
with military recruiters, or
learn about My Block, a conference
for building bridges between law enforcement and students.
Bullies Beware
You have the right to be safe at school. The ACLU of Ohio encourages schools to adopt
proactive, education-based programs to prevent and eliminate bullying.
More information and tips for dealing with bullies is available through
TeensHealth. The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights also has
frequently asked questions and a comprehensive pamphlet on
sexual harassment, which can include harassment based on gender presentation or sexual
orientation.
Extracurricular Clubs
Get involved at your school by joining or starting a campus club to promote civil
liberties. You may be interested in starting a gay-straight
alliance or an ACLU club.
The ACLU of Ohio provides speakers to clubs and classes on a variety of issues,
including LGBT issues, student rights, and drug policy. Request a speaker
here.
Homework Help
Need to learn more about civil liberties or the ACLU for a homework assignment?
Information is available below:
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