Data collected by The Hechinger Report, a national nonprofit newsroom reporting on education, in May showed that schools in many states attribute the majority of student suspensions to vague, catch-all categories such as ‘other' or ‘violation of school code of conduct'. Texas, Indiana, Alabama, Vermont, and Mississippi are among the worst offenders, attributing as many as 88% of all suspensions to vague categories such as ‘other,' ‘non-criminal behavior,' or ‘violation of school code of conduct.'

If your student is facing suspension, let the Lento Law Firm help you deal with the situation. Disciplinary sanctions can have a huge impact on your student's academic record and are not to be taken lightly. Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686, or tell us about your case, and we will call you.

Giving vague rather than specific reasons for suspension allows schools a high degree of arbitrariness and lack of accountability in deciding who gets disciplined and for which behaviors.

Students are Being Suspended for Undisclosed Reasons

The Hechinger Report found that despite having various categories to choose from, schools across states chose to attribute most suspensions to vague categories, opting to conceal the reason these students are being suspended. Suspension is a serious issue, and schools are required to give a formal reason for each suspension.

Attributing suspensions to these ambiguous categories can set a dangerous precedent, allowing schools to get away with harshly disciplining students for any sort of behavior or misconduct. This is troubling, not only because it means students can be suspended for just about anything but also because Black students tend to make up a disproportionately large portion of these suspensions for vague reasons. Getting suspended can have a long-standing impact on a student's education and academic performance, which makes it very important that such decisions be taken in a transparent and serious manner.

Protect Your Student from Arbitrary and Harsh Sanctions

If your child is facing suspension, contact the Lento Law Firm for a fair resolution. Schools can sometimes mete out discipline in an inconsistent, arbitrary, and unfair manner, and your child should not suffer for it. Whether their infraction is minor or serious, whether you believe they have been treated unfairly or not, involving the Lento Law Firm can help you obtain a better outcome. When professional legal representation is involved, schools are careful not to overstep and behave in ways that could get them in trouble. Your Lento Law Firm attorney can also help your school understand if they are being unfair or acting in a way that violates your student's federal rights – and negotiate for a better outcome.

Why Us

With years of experience defending students against disciplinary sanctions nationwide, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team attorneys know a lot about K-12 issues, school regulations, state laws, and federal laws – and how school authorities tend to treat cases involving discipline. They can help your school understand if they are being unfair or violating your or your student's federal rights by acting in a harsh or biased manner. Even if your school does not allow students to have an attorney present during hearings, your Lento Law Firm attorney can still help you by drafting questions and verbal or written responses. They can negotiate with your school authorities for a better outcome. Having them by your side can be a source of support and lessen the stress you will surely be under.

Your student's rights are important. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or get in touch with us online.