The School That Goes Too Far in Disciplining Students

Late last year, ProPublica, an independent investigative newsroom, in partnership with the Chicago Tribune, reported on an Illinois school that goes to extremes in the way it disciplines its students, many of whom have been diagnosed with special needs. In fact, this school calls the police on its students, on average, every other day.

The locals know the Garrison School as the school for “bad” kids. It's an unfortunate – and inaccurate – name. Garrison, the only school in Illinois' Four Rivers Special Education district, provides educational services for children diagnosed with emotional and behavioral disabilities, including autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).

These children, many of whom have already faced difficulties at other schools, not to mention significant traumas at home, need consistency and support from staff members. Unfortunately, the teachers and other staff at Garrison regularly call 911 to punt behavioral or conduct issues over to the local police precinct. This is uncalled for – especially since federal law requires that school officials must consider whether a student's behavior may be related to their disability as they consider the appropriate steps to remediate it.

Schools, especially schools that are supposed to support students with known disabilities, should be safe places for children. This vulnerable population of students is at high risk for unnecessary and, far too often, excessive disciplinary actions at school – even though the law states that children with disabilities should not be punished for behaviors that might be related to or caused by their diagnosis.

But when a disciplinary action is handed down, parents are often unsure of how to protect their children's rights or how to best respond to such allegations. They don't have the knowledge of experience to know how to ensure their students are getting the services they need at school – and aren't being unduly punished for behaviors beyond their control.

Make Sure Your Student Has the Right Representation

While the situation at the Garrison School is extreme, schools everywhere are increasingly relying on police to help deal with classroom disruptions and behavioral outbursts. Your child's school may be, too – despite the fact that educators have a legal and moral responsibility to help students work through behavioral issues related to known disabilities.

When disciplinary actions are taken, your child's future education is at risk. That's why it is crucial to have a trusted attorney-advocate by your side who can help you navigate the situation and defend your child against any school disciplinary actions.

To ensure your child is not being unnecessarily punished – and will receive the educational services they need to be successful moving forward – it pays to retain a qualified attorney-advisor who understands school disciplinary procedures. When you retain school discipline attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the team at the Lento Law Firm, you will have someone who can advocate on your behalf, communicate with school officials and help you gather the evidence you need to protect your child's best interests.

High school disciplinary actions can have lasting repercussions on your child's future. There's no need for you or your child to face such actions alone. With premier school discipline advisor Joseph D. Lento at your side, you can be certain you have the help you need to see the action through to a good result.