The School
Discipline Project
Ensuring Student Access to Education
The School Discipline Project strives to reduce the current racial and special needs disparities in school discipline by teaching the public about education law and using the safeguards of education law in our clients' disciplinary proceedings. Obtaining an education is one of the keys to escaping multigenerational poverty. We can change outcomes by advocating for students in the community and in hearings. We are deeply committed to working with families, students, parent & community organizations, and the school district to provide students with a quality educational environment while ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging in their school.
Self-Help Appeal Tools
The self-help resources included in this section do not constitute legal advice. They include comprehensive guides that provide an overview of the disciplinary process and a synopsis of NYS Education Law. We have also included links to other organizations and the resources they provide.
The Short-Term Suspension Appeal Generator (0-5 days) can be used to create an appeal letter for a Short-Term suspension.
The Long-Term Suspension Appeal Generator (6+ days) can be used to create an appeal letter for a Superintendent’s / Formal / Long-Term suspension.
Suspension Checklists
The below Checklists summarize the legal requirements under New York Law for Short-Term Suspension and Long-Term Suspension practices.
How We Can Help
For Parents/Guardians and Students:
For Community Partners:
Self-Help Resources
Translated Resources:
¿Necesitas Ayuda?
Llame a Nuestra Linea Directa
716-220-7081
Other Organizations:
BPS Long-Term Suspension Resources
BPS Long-Term Suspension Webinar*
(*Please Note: This was produced before the pandemic.)
Do You Need Help?
Complete the Intake Request By Phone*
*Please Note: Completion of an intake by phone does not guarantee representation or create an attorney client relationship
Contact Us!
Email Us!
We look forward to hearing from you!
Call Us!
716.220.7081
OFFICE HOURS
9:00am - 5:00pm
OR BY APPOINTMENT
Our Address
By Appointment Only
37 Franklin Street
2nd Floor, Suite 210
Buffalo, NY 14202
(Look for us behind Pearl Street Grill)
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This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Nothing on this or associated pages should be taken as legal advice by any entity for any individual case or situation. Using this website or communicating with Western New York Law Center does not form an attorney-client relationship. There is no attorney-client relationship unless and until you sign an agreement confirming the nature and scope of representation.
Please do not act or refrain from acting based on information or materials on this site. The website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed, professional attorney in your state. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.