Discipline and Conduct

Washington schools and school districts are authorized by state statutes and administrative rules to impose student discipline to maintain order and correct misbehaviors. However, they are also constrained by those same rules.

Suspension, Expulsion, and Due Process Rules (PDF) explains Washington statutes and administrative rules on suspension and expulsion.

Parent Resources
The Office of the Education Ombudsman provides assistance to resolve complaints, disputes, and problems between families and elementary and secondary public schools in all areas that affect student learning.

State Law on Discipline and Conduct

• RCW 28A.300.285 - Harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention policies -- Model policy and training materials -- Posting on web site
• RCW 28A.600.480 - Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying Law - Reporting of harassment, intimidation, or bullying - Retaliation prohibited
• WAC 495A-121-011 - "Hate crimes" - Definition
• RCW 9A.36.078 - Malicious harassment - Finding
• WAC 180-88 - Definitions of sexual misconduct, verbal abuse and physical abuse - mandatory disclosure - prohibited agreements
• RCW 28A.600.020 - Exclusion of student from classroom
• RCW 28A.600.040 - Students to comply with rules and regulations
• RCW 28A.600.220 - School locker searches – No expectation of privacy
• RCW 28A.600.230- School locker searches – Authorization – Limitations
• RCW 28A.600.240 - School locker searches – Notice and reasonable suspicion requirements
• RCW 28A.600.455 - Gang activity – Suspension or expulsion
• WAC 392-400-210 - Student responsibilities and duties
• WAC 392-400-215 - Student rights
• WAC 392-400-255 - Short-term suspension - Grievance procedure
• WAC 392-400-265 - Long-term suspension - Notice of hearing - Waiver of hearing
• WAC 392-400-280 - Expulsion - Notice of hearing - Waiver of hearing
• WAC 392-400-290 - Emergency removal from a class, subject, or activity
• WAC 392-400-295 - Emergency expulsion - limitations