If a student's behavior is a threat to the safety, health or emotional well being of others, and previous methods of prevention and intervention have not been successful, that student will be suspended in accordance with district policy and state law.

• Suspension Process
• Authority to Suspend
• Suspension and Students with Exceptional Needs

State law allows for the suspension of a student if a school investigation shows the student--while on school grounds, going to or from school, during lunch period (on or off campus), or during, or while going to or from, a school-sponsored activity--has engaged in any of the following acts:

Assault/Battery
Causing, attempting to cause, or threatening to cause physical injury to another person, including a school employee. Also included are attempted sexual assault, sexual assault and sexual battery. Exceptions may be made in a situation where witnesses and evidence support a case of self-defense.

Weapons
Possessing, selling, or otherwise providing any weapon--including guns, knives, explosives, or simulated weapons, including toys such as pellet, airsoft, paintball and BB guns.

Alcohol/Intoxicants/Controlled Substances
Unlawfully possessing, using, selling or otherwise providing alcohol, intoxicants (including inhalants such as glue, paint or liquid paper) or controlled substances, including prescribed medications. Also applies to being under the influence of alcohol, intoxicants or controlled substances.

Substance in Lieu of Alcohol/Intoxicants/Controlled Substances
Delivering, providing or selling items which are claimed to be alcohol, intoxicants or controlled substances but were not such items.

Drug Paraphernalia
Unlawfully possessing, offering, arranging for, or negotiating to sell any drug items.

Tobacco or Nicotine Products
Possessing, providing or using tobacco, or any item containing tobacco or nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets and betel.

Robbery and Extortion
Committing or attempting to commit robbery or extortion. Extortion occurs when threats are made with the intent to obtain money or something of value.

Property Damage
Causing or attempting to cause damage to school property or private property. Parents or guardians are legally responsible to pay for any losses or damage to public property caused by a student.

Property Theft
Stealing or attempting to steal school or private property, or receiving stolen property. Parents may be required to pay for damages.

Obscenity
Committing an obscene act or engaging in regular profanity, swearing or vulgarity. Also applies to sexual acts, even if consensual.

Sexual Harassment (Grades 4-12)
Making unwelcome advances; requesting sexual favors; and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sufficiently severe sexual nature; or having a negative impact on an individual's academic performance; or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment.

Hate Violence (Grades 4-12)
Causing, threatening to cause, attempting to cause, or participating in acts of hate against people or property. This includes but is not limited to negative behaviors that target members of a particular gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or the mentally or physically challenged.

Threats and Intimidation
Harassing, intimidating, or threatening a student who is a witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing that student from being a witness or retaliating against that student for being a witness, or both. Also applies to verbal or written threats against school officials or threats to cause major property damage.

Harassment (Grades 4-12)
Harassing, intimidating, or threatening a student or group of students, or school personnel, with the actual or expected effect of disrupting class work, or creating substantial disorder, or creating a hostile educational environment.

Hazing
Engaging in, or attempting to engage in any activities used for initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization, or student body or related activities, which causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace, resulting in physical or mental harm. Applies to any student attending any school or school event.

For more detailed information, consult California Education Code 48900.