A child’s time in school can be rewarding, but it may also be tough. Not all children thrive in academic settings, and some may find themselves caught in a painful cycle of low expectations, discipline by educators, and suspension. Once a child is pulled into this circular pattern of punishment, they may find it hard to get out.
A child who is subject to suspension may have rights to have their matter heard and evaluated. When this happens, that student and their adult parent or guardian may be represented by legal counsel to help prepare and present their case. This post briefly discusses the suspension process in New York schools and how education law attorneys can help those fighting for the education opportunities of their kids.
The basics of school suspensions
There are many reasons that students can be suspended from New York schools. Accusations of violence or insubordination can warrant suspensions, as can claims of disruptive behavior or disorderly conduct. Many parties in the hierarchy of educational management can issue suspensions, including principals, superintendents, and boards of education.
When a student is issued a suspension for 5 days or less, their matter may not be granted a hearing for adjudication. However, suspensions that exceed 5 days must be subject, with reasonable notice, to a fair hearing. That hearing gives both the suspending entity and the student to prepare their claims and arguments for their positions.
How an education law attorney can help
Suspension hearings can be stressful on parents, guardians, and especially students. The process of arguing about their alleged actions at school can be difficult for kids and unmanageable on their own. An education law attorney who understands the intricacies of New York education law can be an advocate for a student facing a serious sanction. From case preparation to appeals, families dealing with the difficult event of suspension hearings can benefit from seeking competent and caring legal support.