ACLU Urges School to Review Lockdown Policy

CHARLEVOIX, Mich.

The Michigan branch of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) claims West Charlevoix High School staff members violated students’ Fourth Amendment rights during a May 2008 lockdown. The complaint was included in a letter written to Charlevoix Public Schools Superintendent and the Charlevoix County sheriff.

In the letter, directed to Superintendent Chet Janik and Sheriff Don Schneider, the ACLU alleges that nearly 400 students had their hands and feet inspected for signs of paint in connection with damage done to the school’s building and trades modular home project, according to the Charlevoix Courier.

However, both Janik and Schneider say the four-page letter is filled with misinformation, citing that there was no lockdown.

ACLU members say they just want school officials to review their school safety policy.

Austin Wilhelm, 21, now a graduate student, was charged with the vandalism. His trial is scheduled for early June.

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