What to do when being suspended or expelled in Maryland

Types of Offenses
Your teachers and principals have to follow rules. Make sure they are disciplining you the correct way for your type of offense.

How to Prepare for a Meeting with the Principal or Superintendent’s Office
Don’t just show up at a meeting with the school. Make sure you are ready!

School Handbooks
Students should check their school handbooks. Most of the suspension and expulsion rules are there.

Expulsion/Suspension
General Procedure
Steps schools must take to remove a student from school.
Details and the Law

Special Education Students Schools use different laws for special education students. A student may not need an IEP to be protected. Contact the Maryland Disability Law Center for help.

Did you know students have rights before being disciplined?

Schools must allow students to look at their records.
Schools must allow students to give their side of the case.
Students can bring help. Students may have a friend, community member or an attorney come to their meetings with the school.
A teacher cannot suspend or expel a student.
Principals may give 10 days of suspension.
The Superintendent’s office may remove a student more than 10 days! Some Superintendents use names like Chief Executive Officer.
Schools should have study options for students removed from school.

Police and Department of Juvenile Services
Sometimes, the school is required to notify the police. The school police bring students to the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS). DJS decides if the case should go to court for criminal charges. Go to all meetings with DJS.

Withdrawal
Youth over age 16 may leave school if they wish. Schools may not force students to withdraw from school. Do not sign withdrawal papers, even if the school says you have to.

Types of Suspension or Expulsion

Short Term Suspension - Details

10 days or less.
Only the principal or assistant principal can suspend you.

Extended or Long Term Suspension - Details

These last more than 10 days. Check your student handbook to see how long they can last.
Only the superintendent can remove a student more than 10 days
The school must let you bring witnesses and evidence.
You may bring an attorney or a friend to help you.
The school should provide an education program for the student. (This is called alternative education).

Expulsion

Lasts longer than Extended Suspension.
Only the Superintendent can expel students
Students may present witnesses and evidence at the superintendent’s meeting
You may bring an attorney or a friend to help you.
The school should provide an education program for the student. (This is called alternative education).

Source: Rob Bader

Last date of legal review 01/15/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)