Suspension and Expulsion of Students

For purposes of this policy, "suspension" and "expulsion" shall be defined by Indiana law.

The School Board will ensure a child is afforded due process before suspension or expulsion.  A student may be suspended and/or expelled from an activity, program, or a school if their behavior represents misconduct or substantial disobedience while the student is on school grounds immediately before or during school hours, or immediately after school hours, or at any other time when the school is being used by a school group; off school grounds at a school activity, function or event; or traveling to or from school or a school activity, function or event.

A student may also be suspended or expelled for engaging in unlawful activity on or off school grounds if the unlawful activity may reasonably be considered to be an interference with school purposes or an educational function, or the student's removal is necessary to restore order or protect persons on school property, including any unlawful activity during weekend, holidays, other school breaks, and the summer period when a student may not be attending classes or other school functions. 

Furthermore, a student may be suspended or expelled for bullying, regardless of the physical location in which the bullying occurred in accordance with Indiana law and Board Anti-Bullying Policy.  A Student Code of Conduct, approved by the Board, shall specify the procedures to be followed by school officials when administering this policy.  Students with disabilities shall be afforded procedural safeguards as required by state and federal law.

The Board of School Trustees has voted not to hear any expulsion appeals.  Instead, appeals of expulsion must be filed with the County Court.

The Superintendent shall develop a Student Code of Conduct providing appropriate procedures for implementing this policy and complying with applicable law, and the principal shall report all expulsions and second suspensions to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in accordance with law and the Bureau's guidelines.  

I.C. 20-33-8-14 et seq.,   

I.C. 35-47-1-5

I.C. 35-47-5-2-4                                                                                                                                                 

20 U.S.C. 7151                                                                                                                                              

West Lafayette Community School Corporation

Adopted:  August 12, 2024