The Oregon Supreme Court ruled last week that high school students can be searched for illegal drugs without a warrant if school officials have a reasonable suspicion based on specific facts. The court said schools are not held to the higher standard of requiring probable cause for a search if officials believe there is an immediate risk of harm from drug possession on school grounds. It noted schools responsibility to protect students from harm, maintain order, and fulfill an educational mission.
A version of this article appeared in the June 16, 2010 edition of Education Week as Ore. Court Allows Drug Searches
