Safety Law News for September 22, 2015

In California, the Court of Appeal ruled that school officials have the authority to ask a school resource officer to search a student based upon reasonable suspicion. In the case a combination of facts created reasonable suspicion, including the student being caught on campus cutting class and having gang-style writing on his notebook. [In re Henry J.]

In New York, the Supreme Court ruled that school officials are not liable for injuries to a student sustained by bullying unless they had actual or constructive notice of prior conduct to place them on notice. [Maldari v. Mount Pleasant Cent. School Dist.] and [Emmanuel B. v. City of New York].

In New Hampshire, the Supreme Court ruled that a failure by school officials to comply with school bullying policy does not create a private right of action to sue the school district for injuries to a student. New Hampshire law gives educators immunity from this type of lawsuit. [Gauthier v. Manchester School District].