Case Study: Savanna Redding

Savanna Redding, a 13-year old student was brought into the Assistant Principal Wilson’s office to discuss an important matter (Safford Unified School District #1 et. al. v. Redding., 557 U.S. ___ (2009). Wilson opened a planner sitting on his desk, which contained several knives, lighters, and a cigarette (“Safford”, 2009).. The Redding admitted the planner was hers, but stated that she had let her friend Marisa borrow it a few days before and none of the items were hers (“Safford”, 2009). The planner had been located within reaching distance of Marisa. Wilson has been notified from other school staff, that the Redding and Marisa were part of a group at the school dance, where cigarettes and alcohol were collected from the ladies’ restroom

(“Safford”, 2009). A fellow student reported that the Redding had a party prior to the school dance where alcohol was being served (“Safford”, 2009). Wilson showed the Redding several medications located in the possession of Marisa, all of which are banned on school property without prior permission. Marisa reported that the Redding had been distributing the medications to other students. Redding denied this report and said she had no knowledge of the pills. She also agreed to allow Wilson to search all her belongings. Wilson and the administrative assistant searched all her belongings and found no evidence of pills. He then sent Redding to the school nurse for a strip search. The female nurse had her strip down and pull out her bra, but no pills were in her possession (“Safford”, 2009). The reputation of Redding and Marissa was enough to ask for a search. On the day of the search, Marisa was found with a pill in her possession which she claimed she received from Redding. Additionally, Redding confirmed her friendship with Marisa. These facts were enough to ask for a full body search, and that is why the school staff were justified in requesting for a full body search (“Safford”, 2009).