LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — A revised policy setting the circumstances under which school administrators may strip-search students caused rare dissension at the Sullivan West Central School District Board of Education October 20 meeting.

Included in a listing of eight policies up for adoption was #7330: “Searches and Interrogation of Students.”

It states that a student may be searched and prohibited items seized on school grounds or in a school building by an authorized district official only when he or she has reasonable suspicion to believe the student has engaged in or is engaging in activity that is in violation of the law and/or the rules of the school.

Board member Lucas Arzilli said he objected to the search section of the policy that authorizes school officials in certain cases to compel a student to remove any and all clothing beyond searches of a jacket or coat, pockets, backpack, or purse.

While the policy indicates that “strip searches are intrusive in nature and are almost never justified,” Arzilli said this acknowledgement doesn’t go far enough in his opinion to rule them out entirely.

The language of the policy continues, “If school officials have highly credible evidence that such a search would prevent danger or yield evidence, such a search may be conducted under exigent circumstances. In the alternative, if school authorities believe there is an emergency situation that could threaten the safety of others, the student will, to the extent practicable, be isolated and secured. Police and parents will be contacted immediately.”

Searches are conducted by staff members of the same sex and another school official must be present as a witness.

Arzilli said that if the circumstances for a strip search are so narrow, why allow it at all and possibly put school officials at risk?

Board member and retired law enforcement officer Trevor Peachey commented that if a student had a weapon planted on or in his body, that individual could cause self-harm or hurt others if the choice was made to leave that child alone in a holding room.

“It’s all a judgment call,” Arzilli said.

Superintendent Dr. Nancy Hackett said that the policy aims to provide steps to this process. 

If a situation escalated into an imminent danger and no police were available, school administrators would be able to take action by having this policy on the books.

Dr. Hackett said that Sullivan West’s School Resource Officer (SRO) Jack Harb would not intervene unless he was asked to by designated district officials. 

The policy specifically notes that “administrators have the responsibility and the authority to determine when the assistance of law enforcement officers is necessary within their respective jurisdictions.” Searches by SROs must be justified by probable cause as opposed to the District’s standard of reasonable suspicion.

Board member Ken Cohen questioned whether the district even has the authority to change the policy.

Dr. Hackett confirmed that the suggested wording came from the New York State Education Department but could be customized by the local school board.

Board Vice-President Rose Joyce-Turner said she was comfortable with the policy as presented.

“This [strip-search option] is a last resort,” she said.

The majority of the board ultimately voted in favor of Policy 7330, with Arzilli and board member Rachel Brey opposed.