[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Parents, know the school districts cannot use “Wilful Defiance” to suspend or expel your child from school!

Here is the recent news:

https://www.dailynews.com/2023/04/25/banning-suspensions-and-expulsions-for-willful-defiance-is-the-wrong-way-to-help-students/

Upon thorough examination of the article, it is encouraging to witness a growing recognition among concerned individuals regarding the potential risks that “Willful Defiance” poses to students. As someone who specializes in providing assistance to parents navigating expulsions and suspensions, I understand the importance of addressing this issue. It is crucial to note that a significant number of cases are incorrectly classified under Education Code 48900, which designates a student as a threat to themselves or others (source: https://california.public.law/codes/ca_educ_code_section_48900).

Previously, the Education Code included a section on “Willful Defiance,” which some school districts still utilize. Know that this has been banned in 2019. However, the utilization of such codes has resulted in substantial harm inflicted upon students and their families. School districts have utilized this code to label any behavior they disapprove of, subjecting students to severe consequences. Disturbingly, there have been instances where school districts involve law enforcement when categorizing a student’s behavior as falling under Section 48900, leading to arrests and subsequent detentions in juvenile facilities. The traumatic experiences resulting from these arrests and confinement have had severe consequences. School administrators have even exploited these incidents to stifle parental involvement and silence them.

Regrettably, when parents advocate for their children, they are at times unjustly branded as “domestic terrorists” in an attempt to shame and isolate them. This unfortunate turn of events often leads to a legal battle between parents and the school district, with parents having to utilize their personal funds while the district employs taxpayer money. Exploiting the return of students to school as leverage, school districts prolong the process, draining the family’s resources and causing desperation. In an effort to resolve expulsion cases, parents are coerced into signing nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), effectively silencing their experiences and preventing public awareness of these incidents. This situation has inadvertently created a profitable environment for legal professionals and the juvenile detention system.

While I appreciate the decision to maintain the ban on willful defiance, it is imperative to recognize that this step alone is insufficient. Parents have limited knowledge when these incidents occur to their children and the school principals and administrators employ manipulative tactics to achieve their agenda.

Further measures must be implemented to effectively protect the well-being of our children.

When faced with suspension and expulsion letters, it is important to approach the situation strategically. Here are some key steps to consider before signing or attending any meetings with the district:[/vc_column_text][mk_custom_list]

  • Collect the facts: Gather all relevant information and documentation related to the incident in question. This includes any written records, witness statements, or evidence that can support your case
  • Inspect and verify the education code: Thoroughly examine the applicable sections of the California Education Code, such as Section 48900 mentioned earlier, to understand the specific criteria for suspension or expulsion. Ensure that the district’s classification aligns with the code’s provisions.
  • Extract discrepancies: Compare the district’s version of events with your own account. Identify any inconsistencies or contradictions between their “facts” and the evidence you have collected. These discrepancies can be crucial in challenging the district’s decision.
  • Challenge interpretations with the CA Education Code: Use the knowledge gained from studying the education code to contest the district’s interpretation of the behavior in question. Present arguments and evidence that demonstrate the inconsistency between their classification and the actual provisions of the code.
  • Understand motivations and characters involved: Gain a deeper understanding of the motivations and agendas at play within the district. Identify key individuals involved in the decision-making process and consider their potential biases or influences. This understanding can help you navigate the situation more effectively.

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