Most area schools don't have gender policy for student searches

~ At Eagle Ridge, students can only be searched by an administrator of the same sex.

In attempt to keep students as safe as possible in the wake of Columbine and other school tragedies, searches conducted in schools are often based on rumors or other information that has made its way to the ears of administrators.

"If we hear something we usually react to it, especially in today's world," says Kerry Thompson, Scott City High School principal.

Only one area school, Eagle Ridge Christian School, specifically states in its policy that male students must be searched by male administrators and that female students must be searched by female administrators. In both cases, two administrators must be present.

The school cites biblical reasons for the policy, Eagle Ridge administrative assistant Sarah Hess said.

"Because of the boundaries that are set between male and female in the Bible," Hess said. "Moms are to teach their daughters how to act; dad should teach the sons how to act."

Hess said the school also is concerned about harassment issues.

The policies at both Jackson High School and Central High School include the clause "the privacy and dignity of students shall be respected," though they do not have a policy for who may conduct the searches.

"There's not any specific reference to male/female other than just that in general terms, the privacy and dignity of the student shall be respected," said Sam Duncan, Jackson school system's director of state and federal programs.

Scott City's search policy says administrators have to be involved with the search and that at least two administrators must be present. Like the policies at Jackson and Central High School, the Scott City schools' policy for searches makes no reference to gender.

"That might be something to look into and maybe change," Thompson said.

Parents and the authorities are called if a situation arises at Notre Dame Regional High School where a student is suspected of possessing a weapon or other banned materials, according to the school handbook.

"We would call them in and say, 'I know this sounds strange, but we heard a rumor,'" Brother David Migliorino said. "And they would be honest, we would hope."

Saxony Lutheran High School does not have a written policy covering searches. Principal Craig Ernstmeyer says administrators just use common sense.

"I personally wouldn't feel comfortable searching a female student, and so I would ask a female administrator to be involved in that process," Ernstmeyer said.

In all schools, if a student to be searched feels uncomfortable, the administrators say they would try to be accommodating as long as the request was reasonable and would not hinder the search.

ameyer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127