Pennsylvania Code – Students’ Rights to Privacy

Pennsylvania Code Section 12.14
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter12/s12.14.html
“School authorities may search a student’s locker and seize any illegal materials. Such materials may be used as evidence against the student in disciplinary proceedings. Prior to a locker search the students shall be notified and given an opportunity to be present. However, where school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the locker contains materials which pose a threat to the health, welfare, and safety of students in the school, student lockers may be searched without prior warning.”
This Pennsylvania Code states the manner in which students’ lockers may be searched. After the many court proceedings concerning locker searches, this is a guideline for any school locker searches. Legally, a school must follow these procedures when conducting a locker search.