Education Laws and Regulations

603 CMR 53.00

Student Discipline — Effective July 1, 2014

Section:

  • 53.01: Purpose and Scope
  • 53.02: Definitions
  • 53.03: Policies and Procedures
  • 53.04: Investigation of Disciplinary Incidents
  • 53.05: Alternatives to Suspension under M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H¾
  • 53.06: Notice of Suspension and Hearing under M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H¾
  • 53.07: Emergency Removal under M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H¾
  • 53.08: Principal's Hearing under M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H¾
  • 53.09: Superintendent's Hearing under M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H¾
  • 53.10: In-School Suspension under M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H¾
  • 53.11: Exclusion from Extracurricular Activities and School-Sponsored Events
  • 53.12: Disciplinary Offenses under M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H or 37H½
  • 53.13: Education Services and Academic Progress under M.G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H, 37H½, 37H¾
  • 53.14: Student Suspension and Expulsion Data Collection and Reporting
  • View All Sections

Most Recently Amended by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education: September 19, 2023

53.05: Alternatives to Suspension under M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H¾

In every case of student misconduct for which suspension may be imposed, a principal, headmaster, superintendent or other person acting as a decision-maker at a student meeting or hearing shall first consider ways to re-engage the student in learning and shall not use suspension from school as a consequence until alternative remedies have been tried and documented, except as follows: (1) where said decision-maker documents specific reasons why alternative remedies are unsuitable or counterproductive; or (2) where the student's continued presence in school would pose a specific, documentable concern about the infliction of serious bodily injury or other serious harm to another person while in school. Alternative remedies may include, but are not limited to, the use of evidence-based strategies and programs such as mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and collaborative problem solving.

Regulatory Authority:
M.G.L. c.69, s. 1B & c.71, s. 37H & 37H 3/4

Disclaimer:
For an official copy of these regulations, please contact the State House Bookstore, at 617-727-2834 or visit Massachusetts State Bookstore .

Last Updated: September 25, 2023