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In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of exclusionary discipline of students—like suspension and expulsion, as well as involuntary transfers—as a means of addressing behavioral problems within schools. There are many reasons for the overuse of exclusionary discipline in California’s schools: overcrowding, zero tolerance, and high stakes testing all play a role. The gravity of student’s behavior often does not.

Fortunately, the law has many protections designed to ensure that students are treated fairly in disciplinary proceedings. However, it is important that parents and students have the information needed to ensure that these protections are applied accurately.

The ACLU-NC has created the Know Your Rights: School Discipline guide to help students and parents understand their rights when it comes to school discipline processes. The guide provides information about when and how a school can discipline a student and a student's specific rights during disciplinary proceedings, such as suspension, expulsion and involuntary transfer.

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