School expulsion hearings are horrific for parents due to the suddenness and shock of the student’s situation (“expulsion- what?!”), and the lack of experience most parents have in the student expulsion hearing process. Top this off with school administrators who may tell parents that, “The hearing panel will understand,” (when
If a student receives a school suspension, fighting it may seem tough. However, if legally the student’s suspension should never have happened, winning arguments may be easier for parents to make. Many first offenses must have ALTERNATIVE punishments to suspension issued. Knowing the law regarding suspensions is important in case
By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 Parents often overlook on campus suspensions as “nothing to worry about” as the student gets to stay at school. And, the in house suspension does not impact anyone’s schedules. But, these “little” suspensions are still “suspensions” and may be permanent
Did you know that students can be suspended or expelled for damaging (or trying to damage) school or private property? Absolutely true. But, how much “damage” is enough? Law Prohibiting Damage of Others’ Property at School Per California Education Code 48900(f) a student may be placed up for suspension or expulsion if
UPDATE: In July 2024, suspensions for disruption and defiance will not be legal anymore in California: see the update here! One of the vaguest and most troublesome sections of the California Education Code for public school students is the portion which allows schools to suspend students for disruption or defiance.
Did an elementary, junior or high school expulsion recommendation just get sprung on a student? Or is the expulsion hearing fast approaching and there is not enough time to prepare the student’s defense? Not to worry- parents can push back a student’s expulsion hearing, up to 30 calendar days, with no
School Suspensions are devastating to the student and family. Are they appealable? Can they be removed from the student’s records? What steps does a parent take to overturn a suspension? The Suspension Scene: A Parent’s Confusion The phone rings- and it’s your kid’s school. First thoughts: “Oh no, is something
Parents every day face suspensions of students for a myriad of reasons, some legitimate and some not so legitimate. One section I see infrequently used by schools is California Education Code §48900.3, which allows suspension or expulsion for “hate violence.” This could be good or bad depending on who you represent. Hate
By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 Sometimes, school discipline means a detention. Other times it may mean student expulsion moves forward. Which offenses are discretionary expulsion offenses (meaning the school did not have to recommend expulsion at all)? Expulsion May Not Always Be Mandatory When a
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