The word “disciplinary” is often used in schools to describe various types of punishments for misbehaviors. Some examples of disciplinary actions that may be taken by a school are detention, suspension, expulsion, or sending a student to the principal’s office. The severity and duration of the disciplinary action will depend on the infraction committed by the …
Students at public colleges and universities who face the possibility of a severe punishment such as expulsion or suspension are entitled to certain legal protections before disciplinary action is taken. These rights are required by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which says that the government (or government actors, such as public schools) …
How Do You Defend Yourself in a Disciplinary Hearing in College? Read More »
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. It applies to all schools, colleges, universities, and other agencies that receive funds from the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights concerning their children’s education records – like the right to review …
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that was passed in 1990 to protect children with disabilities. The IDEA requires schools to do the following: Identify and evaluate any child they suspect has a disability Provide services to help the child in their academic development Provide for parents’ involvement in their …
If you are in the unfortunate position of being discriminated against by a school, there is hope. It might be possible to sue a school for discrimination if they violated your or your child’s civil rights by discriminating based on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected status. However, …
A school is responsible for ensuring the safety of its students, and that includes providing a safe environment to learn in. When an unsafe situation arises, such as when a child is injured during recess or while waiting for the bus, parents may be able to sue the school for negligence. There are many different …
It’s not uncommon for children to experience emotional distress in school. Whether it’s bullying, the fear of being embarrassed or humiliated, or a traumatic event that takes place on campus, such as a shooting, the effects of these events can last long after they’ve happened. This is because children are still developing, and their brains …
Do you have a child with a disability in school? Is your child being treated differently because of their disability? Do you feel like they are not getting the support they need to succeed academically, or that their needs are being ignored? They may be the victim of disability discrimination. Disability discrimination is when someone …
What Is the Average Settlement for Disability Discrimination in Schools? Read More »
A school or school district can be sued. As parents, we put a lot of faith in schools to not only educate our children, but treat them fairly and with due care. It is extremely upsetting for parents to learn that their child has been hurt, mistreated, neglected, or harassed at school — especially when …