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

53.07: Emergency Removal under M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H¾

(1) Nothing in 603 CMR 53.00 shall prevent a principal from removing a student from school temporarily when a student is charged with a disciplinary offense and the continued presence of the student poses a danger to persons or property, or materially and substantially disrupts the order of the school, and, in the principal's judgment, there is no alternative available to alleviate the danger or disruption. The temporary removal shall not exceed two school days following the day of the emergency removal, during which time the principal shall:

(a) Make immediate and reasonable efforts to orally notify the student and the student's parent of the emergency removal, the reason for the need for emergency removal, and the other matters set forth in 603 CMR 53.06(2);
(b) Provide written notice to the student and parent as provided in 603 CMR 53.06(2);
(c) Provide the student an opportunity for a hearing with the principal that complies with 603 CMR 53.08(2) or (3), as applicable, and the parent an opportunity to attend the hearing, before the expiration of the two (2) school days, unless an extension of time for hearing is otherwise agreed to by the principal, student, and parent.
(d) Render a decision orally on the same day as the hearing, and in writing no later than the following school day, which meets the requirements of 603 CMR 53.08(2)(c) and (d) or (3)(c) and (d), as applicable.

(2) A principal may not remove a student from school on an emergency basis for a disciplinary offense until adequate provisions have been made for the student's safety and transportation.

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