My Child Was Disciplined or Suspended
What schools must do before, during, and after any suspension. Your appeal rights. What happens if they skip steps.
Before a suspension
Louisiana law (RS 17:416) requires schools to follow specific procedures before suspending a student. Schools generally must:
- Inform the student of the charges against them
- Give the student a chance to respond to the charges
- Document the reason for the suspension in writing
Your right to appeal
Under RS 17:416(B), parents have the right to appeal a suspension to the district superintendent. The superintendent must hold a hearing on the merits — schools are not required to volunteer this information, so you may need to request it yourself.
Use the Suspension Appeal Letter template to start this process.
If your child has an IEP or 504 Plan
If your child has a disability, a suspension may trigger additional legal protections, including the right to a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) before certain disciplinary actions can proceed. If a school skips this step, that is a procedural violation worth documenting — see the Procedural Violation Documentation Letter.
What happens if the school skips steps
If a required step was skipped, that’s not just unfair — it’s a basis for appeal and, if necessary, a formal complaint to the Louisiana Department of Education.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change — always verify with a licensed attorney for your specific situation.