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Discipline and Due Process

Every student deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness. When questions arise about student behavior or discipline, we follow clear due process procedures that protect student rights and promote accountability. Learn more about what families can expect if their child is involved in a disciplinary process, and how we work together to ensure each student is heard, supported, and treated with respect.

Get Support

The Office of Student Due Process helps families understand student rights and the Code of Student Conduct. We make sure state and federal laws, and Board of Education policies, are followed during suspensions.

If a principal recommends a long-term suspension, our office guides families through the appeal process.

Questions? Contact us at 919-533-7761 or studentdueprocess@wcpss.net

Releasing Disciplinary Records

Sometimes, schools, colleges, universities, federal agencies, or employers may ask about a student’s suspension history.

If you need to share this information:

  1. Complete the Authorization for Release of Disciplinary Record Form.
  2. Submit the form to the Office of Student Due Process.

Important:

  • Tell the organization that all verification requests must go through our office, not your school.
  • Share our contact details with them (see below).    

Disciplinary Actions

The Code of Student Conduct rules are leveled according to the severity of violation and type of consequence. In any given situation, based on the unique circumstances of a situation, the principal may use a different level of intervention than is indicated on the chart. Various interventions may be considered to address a student’s behavior including restorative practices, detention, referrals to the counselor or community resources.

Appeal hearings

If your child faces a long-term suspension or expulsion, you have the right to appeal. There are two levels of appeal:

  • A hearing at the Superintendent level (with a panel of WCPSS staff and other participants)
  • A hearing before the WCPSS Board of Education

Hearings will be held virtually or in-person at WCPSS Central Services, depending on the type of hearing. We are here to support you every step of the way.