LANSING, Mich. (March 25, 2026) — Today, Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) introduced legislation to reduce improper school removals by protecting students’ rights to due process. Senate Bills 886-888 would ensure independent decision-making in disciplinary hearings, ensure students are informed of their rights and the evidence against them prior to a hearing, and require districts to establish an appeals process.
“Students have a right to an education, and the state wants to keep kids in school. When students are unfairly pushed out of school, we are failing their families and the community,” said Sen. Irwin. “These bills will ensure that students are treated fairly in disciplinary proceedings and will help keep kids engaged at a time when they need it most.”
Despite Michigan’s rollback of zero-tolerance policies, 1,184 students in Michigan were expelled in the 2024-2025 school year. The most common reason for expulsion is “other,” not any type of violent or substance-related incident. Exclusionary discipline is not being applied impartially; Black, LGBTQ+, and disabled students are all excluded from school at disproportionate rates. School discipline proceedings often lack even rudimentary elements of due process, like advance notice to the accused student and their family.
“Being excluded from school changes a young person’s sense of self and their relationship to their community,” said Peri Stone-Palmquist, Co-Executive Director of the Student Advocacy Center. “Respecting students’ rights and keeping them in school will have long-term benefits for our whole state.”
This legislation would ensure that:
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Students are granted a disciplinary hearing within 10 days unless a delay is requested by the student or parent/guardian.
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Students and their families are provided with the specific disciplinary complaints at least five days prior to the hearing, including a copy of any evidence and an explanation of the hearing procedures, including the student’s rights during that hearing.
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Students receive access to all missed schoolwork and other services as needed.
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Districts consider whether a trauma-responsive behavior plan would properly address the violation or behavior before removal.
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Students may appeal disciplinary actions before an independent hearing officer.
This legislation now heads to the Senate Education Committee for further consideration.