The information below is taken from the Policies and Procedures Manual of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Section 355.1.

Just, appropriate disciplinary policies are essential educational processes which include procedures which are more remedial than punitive, yet include the necessary provisions which protect the common good of the school community. As part of any disciplinary program, it is important that a concise and clear policy governing student suspensions and dismissals be established. While ordinarily the Principal would be the competent authority to suspend a student, only a Pastor may expel a student from school.

Formal suspension is a serious disciplinary action taken by school authorities against a student whose actions constitute a major disciplinary infraction and are contrary to the good order of the entire school community. Suspension is a major step toward possible dismissal. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Principal to inform the parents of the seriousness of

suspension and to seek their immediate cooperation in a corrective program designed to resolve the student’s problems. The Principal must inform the Pastor when a student has been suspended.

1. Infractions for which suspension is imposed must be major.
2. Parents or guardians of the student must be informed of the school’s action. If in the judgement of the school Principal, the student’s action warrants removal from the school community for a period of time, the parents or guardians are to be notified immediately in writing of the school’s intent.
3. All suspensions will be out of school.
4. Following suspension, parents or guardians are to be interviewed by the appropriate school official. Students removed from the school community cannot be readmitted until a parental interview takes place.
5. Parents are to sign a formal agreement in which they signify their understanding of the problem and agree to assume responsibility for the student’s future behavior.
6. Where possible, a student should be referred to a counselor or a teacher for counseling.
7. Signed agreement of parents and a written report of the suspension are to be filed in the student’s record.
8. Suspension records are not a part of the student’s permanent or cumulative record. Records should only be made available to authorized school personnel and parents.

1. After two formal suspensions, a student is liable to expulsion. Such expulsion is not required if school authorities judge it is not appropriate.
2. Ordinarily a minimum of two suspensions must be incurred before possible expulsion.
3. If a student is expelled and a review of the case is requested by the parents, all records indicated in the above procedures should be available at the request of the Office of Catholic Education.
4. Students who are expelled may apply for readmission after one full year.
5. In certain instances the infraction, because of extraordinary circumstances, may warrant immediate expulsion. Procedures to be followed for expulsion in extraordinary cases are as follows:

Expulsion from school should not be formalized until an interim period of time has elapsed to allow for discussion, investigation and evaluation by the Principal and Pastor.

1. The Principal and/or Pastor should inform the parents personally that such a drastic decision was necessary for the good order and morale of the school.
2. In cases of this kind, prior to taking action, the Principal and Pastor must contact the Office of Catholic Education to advise them of the seriousness of the case and to inform them of their impending action.
3. Parents may appeal the decision to the Office of Catholic Education and should be informed of their right to do so.
4. A written record should be maintained of all proceedings.
5. If a review is requested by the parents, written records should be available at the request of the Office of Catholic Education.

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