Illinois teacher in trouble for advising students about Fifth Amendment before drug-screening survey
A high school teacher in Batavia, Illinois could be disciplined for informing his students of their Fifth Amendment rights before administering a survey school officials was intended to gauge their emotional needs.
The Batavia Daily Herald reported on May 25 that social studies instructor John Dryden advised students of their right not to incriminate themselves before giving them a “screener” survey on April 18 that had each student’s name printed on it.
“I made a judgment call,” Dryden told the Herald. “There was no time to ask anyone.”
Dryden could reportedly be issued a “letter of remedy,” which would stay in his employment record. The Kane County Chronicle reported on May 25 that officials did not confirm whether Dryden will face a hearing during the local school board meeting on Tuesday.
Brad Newkirk, chief academic officer for Batavia Public School District 101, told the Herald that the survey, asked students about their emotions and use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco, and that