Students of the Pine Bush Central School District shall have the rights afforded them under the following provisions: 

• federal and state constitutions, the laws of the state of New York
• policies of the school district established by the Board of Education
• rules and regulations established by the school the students attend. 

Although the rights of students are not identical to the rights of adults, it is recognized that a student’s private, non-school sponsored and/or non-program related conduct cannot be regulated unless the educational community is affected by such conduct. 

All persons under the age of 21 who have not received a high school diploma have the right to a free public education as well as the right to:

1. Attend school in an environment that exhibits the following characteristics: 
   1. is safe, orderly and drug free; 
   2. encourages learning and allows for maximum academic and personal growth; 
   3. is free of discrimination based on race, color, weight, religion, religious practice, creed, national origin, ethnic group, gender (identity and expression), sex, sexual orientation or disability;
   4. encourages students to discuss and debate ideas and opinions free from harassment or intimidation;
   5. protects free speech and expression, provided such speech is not likely to create a material and substantial disruption to the school environment, does not interfere with the orderly conduct of classes, and is not libelous, slanderous, or obscene; 
   6. prepares students to be productive members of society.
2. Present their version of relevant events regarding any Code violation to school personnel authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty in such a situation. 
3. Have access to school rules and, when necessary, receive an explanation of those rules from school personnel. 

In accordance with these rights, students are held to corresponding responsibilities whether in school, on school grounds, or at school functions or during virtual learning. It is expected that students will conduct themselves in accordance with these responsibilities. Furthermore, it is expected that they will contribute in a positive way to the maintenance of an orderly environment in which the safety and welfare of others are protected, and learning is not jeopardized.