Abstract
Self-contained classroom students face abuse from educators at disproportionate rates compared to general education students. To combat the abuse, several jurisdictions, including Massachusetts, have proposed or enacted bills enabling cameras to be placed in self-contained classrooms. This has sparked privacy concerns, particularly regarding whether the usage would amount to an infringement on the Fourth Amendment rights of students and educators. This note argues that surveillance is an ineffective deterrent to prevent violent and abusive behavior and should not justify bypassing potential privacy and constitutional violations. It outlines the relevant case law regarding students and teachers and apply these standards to the context of the self-contained classroom. Additionally, it examines the potential policy considerations relating to surveillance usage.
Recommended Citation
Benites, Sarah M.
()
"Privacy or Safety? The Use of Cameras to Combat Special Ed Abuse,"
University of Massachusetts Law Review: Vol. 19:
Iss.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://scholarship.law.umassd.edu/umlr/vol19/iss2/4
Included in
Education Law Commons, Fourth Amendment Commons, Privacy Law Commons