What did the Supreme Court rule in Honig v. Doe regarding expulsion of students with disabilities?

What did the Supreme Court rule in Honig v. Doe regarding expulsion of students with disabilities?

• A. They can be expelled indefinitely
• B. They cannot be suspended for more than 10 days
• C. They may not be expelled at all
• D. They may be suspended for multiple offenses

Answer: (B)

In Honig v. Doe, the Supreme Court clarified the rights of students with disabilities in relation to school discipline, particularly concerning long-term suspensions or expulsions. The ruling emphasized that students with disabilities cannot be suspended for more than ten days if the behavior leading to the suspension was a manifestation of their disability. This ensures that students who require special education services are not disproportionately affected by discipline policies and that their educational rights are protected, reinforcing the principle that disciplinary measures must be fair and considerate of each student's unique needs related to their disabilities. This ruling aims to balance maintaining a safe and orderly environment in schools with the rights of students to receive appropriate educational opportunities despite their disabilities. The decision established that schools must follow specific procedures before expelling or suspending a student with a disability for longer periods, ensuring proper evaluation and support rather than solely punitive measures.

In Honig v. Doe, the Supreme Court clarified the rights of students with disabilities in relation to school discipline, particularly concerning long-term suspensions or expulsions. The ruling emphasized that students with disabilities cannot be suspended for more than ten days if the behavior leading to the suspension was a manifestation of their disability. This ensures that students who require special education services are not disproportionately affected by discipline policies and that their educational rights are protected, reinforcing the principle that disciplinary measures must be fair and considerate of each student's unique needs related to their disabilities.

This ruling aims to balance maintaining a safe and orderly environment in schools with the rights of students to receive appropriate educational opportunities despite their disabilities. The decision established that schools must follow specific procedures before expelling or suspending a student with a disability for longer periods, ensuring proper evaluation and support rather than solely punitive measures.