Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Connecticut

authority of school bus drivers

My daughter was taking her bus to school when the driver initiated a confrontation with two other females concerning a stolen item. the discussion between the driver and the girls got heated. when the bus arrived at her school, the bus driver blocked the door and said ''no one is getting off the bus until I get names.'' My daughter did not want to be subject to this altercation any further and exited the bus using the rear door along with several other students. My daughter was singled out and she has been banned from taking the bus for the rest of the week. is this legal.


Asked on 5/29/02, 10:34 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: authority of school bus drivers

It would not be legal if done to an adult on public transportation - it would be false imprisonment.

Students, however, do not have full adult rights when in the care of school authorities. School officials stand "in loco parentis" meaning as substitute parents when students are in their charge, and so are not required to observe the rights that adults have.

Injustice is often the result of this, as in your case, but I would let it go with a letter of complaint to the Principal or the school board.

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Answered on 5/29/02, 10:57 am


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