Welcome to another post in our Taking control: legal answers for everyday problems series.
As students head back to school this fall, it's the perfect time to check in on education rights. Whether you're a student, parent, or family member, you have resources available. These can help you navigate the system and stand up for yourself or your loved ones.
Protecting student rights
Students have important legal protections at school, and knowing these rights can help you get fair treatment in many different situations.
- Dealing with bullying or harassment? Learn how to protect your child from cyberbullying and how to report bullying in New York public schools.
- Understanding school discipline: Schools can't just punish students however they want. Find out what kind of discipline is allowed in schools to know if your school's approach is allowed.
- Special situations need special protections: Students in vulnerable situations have additional rights. Whether you need to know your rights as a student without a home, a pregnant or parenting teen, as a LGBTQIA+ student, or an immigrant student, the law provides specific protections.
- Digital age concerns: If someone shares private photos of you or your child without permission, that might be illegal. Learn what to do if someone shares your private photos.
Accessing school services
Every child in the United States has the right to attend public school, no matter your immigration status or English language skills. Learn about enrollment rights and what documents you need.
If you do not speak English, find out how to get information in your language. Schools must provide interpretation and translation services to help you communicate with your child's school.
Getting the right support for your child
Is your child struggling in school and you think they might need extra help? Schools must identify students who need special education services and provide appropriate support.
Start with understanding Individualized Education Programs and how they work. There are also other special education services your child might need.
Even issues like transportation matter. If you live in NYC and you're dealing with school bus problems, that's not just an inconvenience – reliable transportation is part of your child's right to education. Learn what to do if you're having school bus problems in NYC.
Managing higher education costs
Feeling overwhelmed by student loan debt? You're not alone, and you have options. If you're a young adult managing student loans while receiving government benefits, it's important to understand how your financial situation affects your support.
Your next steps
Pick one area that feels most relevant to your situation right now.
Remember: you can ask questions and advocate for yourself or your child. Education should be accessible and supportive – if it's not, you have rights and resources.
What else can you find on LawHelpNY?
✅ More legal topics beyond the one we covered above. Browse all our topics.
✅ A Hotlines page with phone numbers by topic.
✅ A Directory to find free legal services in New York State.
✅ LiveHelp to chat with someone who can help. (Click the LiveHelp button at the bottom right of the page.)