Quote Originally Posted by Sighisoara View Post
Why does it have to be suspicion of a gun? The objective evidence is that the kid made general, non-specific threats and was undergoing a mental health crisis. That’s reasonable suspicion to search (whether it be for weapons, drugs or what have you). If you don’t think that’s reasonable, take me to court if I’m the principal, either way I’m conducting the search.

Obviously I don’t have this particular school district’s policies in hand. As a general, nationwide rule, principals in their capacity as stewards of the campus have the authority to assign students and staff as they see fit. The same is true for superintendents as it applies to the assignment of particular schools and programs. So, why don’t you show me where they don’t have this authority.
This summarizes it pretty well.

https://massp.com/considerations-for...udent-searches

Pursuant to Michigan Code 380.1306, only locker searches are permitted as they are the property of the school district.

Tldr version, a search of a student's belongings is a violation of the fourth amendment right to privacy. Lockers belonging to the school are exempt as they own the facility. Only law enforcement has the right to conduct a warrantless search and only of reasonable suspicion exists.