A mandatory discipline decision is one that the school is required to give. For example, if a student brings a gun to campus, the school is required by federal law to expel that student for at least one year. However, for mandatory school discipline decisions that are not governed by federal law, the school must still consider the factors listed in the Texas Education Code and discussed above.
Many decisions that principals claim are “mandatory” are actually not required. You can find out whether or not a disciplinary decision is mandatory by reviewing your district’s student code of conduct, which is available on your district’s website. If you are unsure about whether or not a decision is mandatory, consult an attorney who specializes in school law.