RESOURCES
This sample hearing notice is annotated to help you identify key information that can help you and your advocate understand the nature of your student's suspension.
Advocates for Children's School Discipline Policy in a Nutshell
NYC school discipline policy (Chancellor’s Regulation A-443) in a nutshell provides information on intervention and preventive techniques, protections for students with disabilities, and teacher removal of students from classroom.
NYC Chancellor’s Regulation A-443 (“Regulation A-443”)
This regulation addresses student disciplinary procedures, including the rights of students/parents, the steps the school must take before suspending a student, and the hearing process. While this manual describes many of these procedures and rights, you may want to read through the Chancellor’s Regulations as you prepare for your hearing and be prepared to cite any relevant sections during your hearing.
NYC Citywide Standards of Discipline and Intervention Measures (“Discipline Code”)
The discipline code gives a range of possible disciplinary responses for each infraction. In other words, it gives the minimum and maximum suspension time that the Department of Education can impose for a specific charge. For many infractions, the discipline code suggests the possibility of lesser disciplinary responses than a suspension. Feel free to suggest, as appropriate, that these lesser responses are most appropriate during the disposition. The discipline code also includes possible guidance interventions that the Department of Education can use in addition to disciplinary responses. These include counseling, conflict resolution, and referral to a community-based organization.
NYCLU’s Palm Card: Know Your Rights When Facing a Suspension
In New York State, everyone younger than 21 who does not have a high school diploma has the right to attend a public school. This right is protected by our state constitution. When your school wants to suspend you, it is taking away that right for a period of time. But there are rules that the school must follow where your rights are concerned. This guide will help you understand the rules, and protect your right to an education. (Description taken from the NYCLU website.)
Other Resources SRP Can Provide
SRP strives to assist our clients both in their suspension hearings and with any other services that may help the student feel more comfortable in school. Below is a short guide on the other resources SRP can provide.
SRP's No Cops in Schools advocacy team has written a toolkit about the history and current system of police in NYC schools.