“Only experiment can tell” is a sometimes light-hearted justification for engaging in what may be considered an unconventional approach in a science lab. But what if your high school student is accused of going beyond being unconventional, of sabotaging an experiment in biology, chemistry, or other science class, or maliciously tampering with equipment? The consequences can be significant and may even affect your child's options for higher education. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is experienced in defending high school students accused of all types of misconduct, and they can help your child. Call 888.535.3686 or tell us about your case on the Lento Law Firm Student Discipline Defense website.

School Disciplinary Policies Address Sabotage, Even If They Do Not Name It Explicitly

Searching the student handbook of your child's school or district may not produce any hits for “sabotage,” but school districts are careful to craft guidelines that address any disciplinary issue that may come up, even if it is not explicitly named.

Michigan's Board of Education, for example, provides a model code of student conduct that can be adapted by any school district in the state. It notes that the misconduct definitions it provides are representative, not all-inclusive, and it emphasizes that “A student who commits an act of misconduct not listed herein is nonetheless subject to disciplinary action.” Tampering with educational materials is covered under the Academic Misconduct heading, and behavior that disrupts the educational process is under Disorderly Conduct; both can be construed to include sabotage.

Similarly, a school district in Illinois includes under its student misconduct section “acts that interfere with the learning opportunities of other student”—again, this could include sabotage.

Consequences for a High School Student Accused of or Found Responsible for Sabotage

If a school determines that your student is guilty of sabotaging an experiment or equipment in a science class, there is a variety of possible repercussions, including:

• Suspension
• Expulsion
• Mandatory counseling
• Loss of privileges
• Making financial restitution for any damages
• Notification of law enforcement by the school

Many schools note that a student's locker is school property and can be searched at any time for any reason, and any item, such as a backpack stored in the locker, can be searched if there is reasonable suspicion it contains evidence of misconduct.

Your First Step if Your High School Student Is Accused of Sabotaging a Science Experiment or Lab Equipment

The Lento Law Firm Student Discipline Defense Team has defended high school students across the country accused of all types of misconduct, and they can help if your child is accused of sabotaging an experiment or equipment in a science class. Call 888.535.3686 or tell us about your case on the Lento Law Firm Student Discipline Defense website.