Is it illegal for a principal to force a school-wide cleanup?

Question

Recently, my high school had a chaotic "skittle fight", in which some students organized a lunchtime event (without permission) that involved most of the students throwing skittles at each other.

A week later, the principal decided to force a school-wide cleanup during fourth period, in which students came out of class to clean up the school.

What about child labor laws?

I'm appreciating the responses, but most of these answers are answered based on personal morals. What about in terms of the law?

Answer 1

Of course it isn't illegal. And good for that principal! Who did you think was supposed to clean up such a horrendous and childish mess? The overworked, underpaid, and, apparently, under-appreciated janitor?? Not under good leadership... and that's what your principal is, a good leader. Students made a big mess - students clean up the mess. Maybe someone will leave high school with a sense of responsibility for their actions.

**EDIT**
I'm a teacher. Trust me. This is not just based on personal morals. This is based on fact. Regarding child labor laws, were you offered some kind of monetary wage for the clean-up? No? Well then, what you were doing was not child labor. It was called teaching kids responsibility. Plain and Simple. It was no more child labor than your mother asking you to take out the trash.
If the principal forces you to work in the coal-mines or factories (for pay), rather than attend school, then we can talk "child labor laws." Also, if you are in high school, you are not too young to work... many states give the "OK" for 14 year-olds to work in "hardship" cases.
Feel like learning something? Check out this site on Lewis Hine, the news photographer responsible for bringing child -labor to the front of America's conscience. Here is what child labor was and why child labor laws were put into place.
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/childlabor/

Answer 2

The principal has a legal right to enforce rules (littering) and give out punishment. And what could possibly be wrong with making the people who made a mess clean it up.

Child labor involves excessive hours and dangerous work conditions. You had to go pick up some trash. Get over it.

Answer 3

It is illegal to force one to work against his will, it is known as involuntary servitude which is protected by the Constitution. However the principal is without recourse against the perpetrators. He can charge you for whatever expenses the school will incur because of the damage the students caused.

Answer 4

Good for the principal! Let's hope the lesson of responsibility is never "illegal" to teach in school!

Answer 5

It's not anymore Illegal than your parents telling you to clean your room. Good for the principal,kids need to learn that there are consequences for their actions.

Answer 6

It is his responsibility. Good for him.

As for law... Nothing illegal about it. You all are there to learn, associate with others and through the process, also learn social norms, communications, morals, values, and integrity. This experience, is a learning experience... Learn from it. Stop trying to blame others for your behavior.

With actions come repercussions.

Answer 7

no it is not It is not fair to the janitors to do extra cleanup due to some immature people not knowing how to act. Maybe people in school will learn to be respectful

Answer 8

Now that's a principal who cares about his students.Think about what this lesson taught you.

Answer 9

Hooray! The principle has a backbone!

Answer 10

God forbid you little brats should have to pick up after yourselves.

And no, it's not illegal.