Review the school board policy and student handbook of your local public school site or district for information regarding their policies on short- and long-term suspensions of students. You may also obtain this information by interviewing an administrator at your chosen site.
Write a 500 word summarizing:
The due process requirements prior to a short-term and a long-term suspension of a student at your local site or district.
Are the due process procedures for a short-term and a long-term suspension of a student the same or different?
Are these requirements consistent with Goss v. Lopez? Support your position with examples from case law, the U.S. Constitution, or other readings.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools district
Sample Answer
The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) district, like all public school systems, operates under legal and constitutional guidelines for student discipline. A review of the MSCS Student Code of Conduct and Board Policies reveals a clear and tiered approach to due process for student suspensions, with distinct procedures for short-term and long-term disciplinary actions. These policies are designed to be consistent with the fundamental requirements of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court.
Due Process for Short-Term Suspensions
Under MSCS policy, a short-term suspension is typically defined as an out-of-school suspension of up to ten days. For these disciplinary actions, the due process requirements are informal and expeditious. The principal or assistant principal is authorized to issue these suspensions for "good and sufficient reasons" (MSCS Policy 6026). Prior to a short-term suspension, the student is to be advised of the misconduct and is given an opportunity to present an explanation.