I have a disability. Does that make a difference in how the school disciplines me?Yes. Students with disabilities have special rights in disciplinary cases. This is because the law recognizes that their behavior sometimes is a result of their special needs. Can I be suspended or expelled from school if I'm a student with disabilities?The rules about this are complex. If you have questions, contact the Education Law Center for more details. We'll give you the basic rules here: - For students with mental retardation—before you can be suspended, a special team must decide that the behavior in question isn't connected to your disability.
- For students with any other disability—the school can suspend you for up to 10 days. For suspensions over 10 days, a special team must first decide that the behavior in question isn't connected to your disability.
- Exceptions may be made if you bring a dangerous weapon or illegal drugs to school, or if you pose a threat to yourself or others at school.
Can a teacher hit a student with disabilities if he or she doesn't behave?No. Corporal punishment and other kinds of punishment, such as mechanical or physical restraints, may never be used on students with disabilities.
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