In part two of my conversation with Jennifer White, Education Staff Attorney at MAC, we unpack how students with disabilities are impacted by school discipline systems and what legal protections exist to advocate for their rights. Ms. White breaks down the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the importance of IEP meetings, and what happens when a child is suspended, excluded, or labeled as "disruptive." We explore due process and the Chapter 222 legislation in Massachusetts, pushing schools toward equitable disciplinary practices.
Important Definitions:
FAPE – Free Appropriate Public Education: The right of students with disabilities to receive a free specialized education.
IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: A federal law that requires special education services and legal protections for all eligible students.
IEP – Individualized Education Program: A legally binding document outlining special education services for a student with a disability.
Due Process – The legal right for students and families to be notified of disciplinary actions and to challenge decisions that may impact their education.
Chapter 222: Law allowing students who are excluded from school or facing exclusion to make academic progress during their exclusion through other education services provided by the school district.
“If they’re going to get excluded from school, there are certain due process rights for short term exclusions. They have a right to be notified of exactly what rule they’ve broken. They have a right to be heard to explain what happened.”