Massachusetts law about student discipline

Massachusetts laws

MGL c.71, s.37H  Policies relative to conduct of teachers or students; student handbooks

MGL c.71, s.37H-1/2  Felony complaint or conviction of student; suspension; expulsion; right to appeal

MGL c.71, s.37H-3/4  Suspension or expulsion on grounds other than those in 37H and 37H-1/2 

MGL c.76, s.21  Opportunity for academic progress for suspended students

Massachusetts regulations

603 CMR 53: Student discipline

Agency

Massachusetts Department of Education

Web sources

School Discipline, Mass. Advocates for Children, 2014
Links to many sources of valuable information. " The underlying principle of the law and regulations is to make exclusion from school a last resort, especially for all but the most serious offenses. Central to the new law and regulations is the requirement that for all offenses, if a student is to be excluded for more than 10 consecutive school days, the school district must offer the student alternative education services. In addition, for all offenses, during the first 10 days of exclusion, schools are required to provide education services so that the student can make academic progress despite absence from classes."

Student Discipline Resources and Information, Mass. Dept. of Education
Includes information for school administrators and links to information on the 2014 school discipline law.

Massachusetts Compilation of School Discipline Laws and Regulations, US Dept. of Education, 2018
"School discipline-related laws and regulations ... and, where available, links to education agency websites or resources related to school discipline and student conduct. ... categorized by type of specific discipline issue covered,"

Protections for Students with Disabilities Who are Being Disciplined by School Officials, Children's Law Center, 2015
Explains the unique legal requirements for disciplining special needs students

Quick Reference on School Discipline, Children's Law Center
A handy guide for child advocates in Massachusetts, covering public school students facing disciplinary hearings as well as students identified with special needs.

Print sources

Disciplining Students with Behavioral Issues, NBI, 2016.
Includes timely information on the new MGL c.71, s.37H-3/4: Suspension or expulsion on grounds other than those in 37H and 37H-1/2.

School Law in Massachusetts, MCLE, loose-leaf

Last updated:	September 5, 2018