Washington law gives students and families more protection in the discipline process than most people realize. These rights apply to every public school student in the state — and they apply regardless of whether the school has told you about them.
The Right to Notice
Before imposing any suspension, the school must provide notice to the student and parent or guardian — in writing and in a language you can understand. The notice must include the specific behavior that led to the discipline, the specific rule or policy the behavior violated, the proposed discipline, and information about the right to a hearing.
Verbal notification is not sufficient for a suspension. If a school calls to say your child is suspended but does not follow up with written notice, ask for it in writing immediately.
Source: WAC 392-400-430 (short-term suspension notice); WAC 392-400-490 (long-term suspension notice).
The Right to Be Heard
Before a short-term suspension can be imposed, the school must provide an informal hearing — an opportunity for the student to explain their perspective on what happened. This does not have to be a formal meeting, but it must happen before the suspension begins (except in emergency situations where the student poses an immediate safety risk).
For long-term suspensions and expulsions, families have the right to a formal hearing with more extensive procedural protections, including the right to bring a representative (which can be an attorney or advocate), to review the evidence the school is relying on, and to present their own evidence.
Source: WAC 392-400-450 (short-term suspension hearing); WAC 392-400-510 (long-term suspension hearing).
The Right to Educational Services
Washington law prohibits schools from suspending a student’s access to education. During any long-term suspension or expulsion, the district must provide educational services that allow your child to continue making academic progress toward graduation. The type of services — online coursework, home instruction, alternative placement — varies by district, but the obligation to provide something is absolute.
Ask for specifics in writing: what services will be provided, how often, by whom, and how your child’s progress will be monitored. Vague assurances (“we’ll send work home”) are not sufficient.
Source: RCW 28A.600.015(8); WAC 392-400-610.
The Right to a Reengagement Plan
For any long-term suspension or expulsion, the district must develop a reengagement plan in collaboration with the student and family. The plan must address the student’s academic needs, the support services to be provided, the conditions for return, and a timeline. It must be developed before or at the beginning of the exclusion — not handed to you on the last day.
If the school does not initiate a reengagement plan, ask for one and reference WAC 392-400-710. Put the request in writing (email is fine) so you have a record.
Source: WAC 392-400-710.
The Right to Appeal
Suspension and expulsion decisions can be appealed. The appeals process and timelines vary by district, but the right to appeal is established in state law and district policy. Your notice letter should include information about how to appeal — if it does not, ask the school administrator immediately.
Appeals are time-sensitive. In most districts, you have only a few days to request an appeal after receiving the discipline notice. Do not wait.
Additional Rights for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities have additional protections under federal law (IDEA and Section 504). Before a student with a disability can be disciplined for more than 10 cumulative school days in a school year, the school must conduct a manifestation determination — a review to determine whether the behavior was caused by or related to the student’s disability.
If the behavior is found to be a manifestation of the disability, the school cannot proceed with long-term suspension or expulsion using the standard process. Instead, the IEP or 504 team must convene and address the behavior through the special education framework.
If your child has an IEP or 504 plan and is being disciplined, contact your child’s special education coordinator and consider reaching out to Disability Rights Washington for support. See Getting Help.
Five Things to Know About Washington’s Updated Discipline Rules
OSPI published a plain-language “5 Things to Know” guide when Washington’s updated discipline rules took effect in July 2025. Key points:
Discipline must be proportionate
Schools must use the least-restrictive response appropriate to the behavior. Jumping straight to suspension without considering alternatives is not compliant with Washington rules.
Emergency removals are strictly limited
A student can be removed immediately only if they pose an immediate and continuing threat to others or to themselves. An emergency removal must end or convert to a standard suspension within 10 school days.
Long-term suspensions have new maximum limits
The 2023 rule updates set new maximums on long-term suspension duration. Schools cannot suspend students indefinitely; the rules set outer limits and require periodic review for longer exclusions.
Educational services are required — not optional
This is one of the most commonly violated rights. During any long-term suspension, the district must provide education. “Come back when you’re off suspension” is not a legal response.
Student circumstances must be considered
Before imposing discipline, schools must consider relevant circumstances — including the student’s age, disability status, housing stability, and whether the behavior was a first offense. Ignoring context is not compliant.
Full OSPI resource: OSPI — “5 Things to Know about the Updated Discipline Rules” (PDF)