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How to Appeal a School Expulsion in Louisiana

Louisiana's public school system has one of the highest school expulsion rates in the country. In a joint report with Families and Friends of Louisiana's Incarcerated Children, the National Economic and Social Rights Initiative points out that Louisiana's rate of student expulsion is five times the national average. Expulsion is typically an ineffective discipline strategy that makes future delinquency more likely. Moreover, given Louisiana's high rate of expulsion, some student expulsions are likely unjustified. Parents can appeal their child's expulsion from Louisiana schools using the Louisiana District Courts.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hire an attorney who is experienced in education law. An expulsion is a serious form of quasi-judicial discipline that requires expert help. Numerous organizations in Louisiana provide free and low cost legal advice to families who can't afford an attorney (See Resources).

    • 2

      Appeal the expulsion through the school. Some schools provide parents with an informal appeals process. Check your school's website to determine if there is a form you need to fill out to appeal the expulsion. This step is optional because not all schools provide this process. However, appealing the expulsion through the school and legal system at the same time gives parents a better chance of winning their student's appeal.

    • 3

      Give your attorney any and all evidence you have. This includes notes to and from teachers, transcripts of the schoolboard hearing, medical records indicating a disability and anything else that can be used to help in your appeal. Give your attorney evidence that is damaging to your appeal as well. She will be able to represent you more effectively when she's aware of anything that could be used against your child.

    • 4

      File an appeal in the district court in your parish. Your attorney will draft the paperwork outlining the reason your child should not have been expelled. There are several reasons expulsions can be appealed, including an unfair hearing, inaccurate or misleading evidence and student disability. The district court will schedule a hearing, usually within 30 days, and make a determination on the appeal of the expulsion.

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