School board OKs changes to code of conduct in WBS

The West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education has voted to approve updates to the district’s student code of conduct.

One of the changes approved was the addition of “sexual orientation” to the student conduct definitions section regarding harassment, which also currently includes ethnic, religious and general harassment/intimidation, all of which are grounds for suspension or expulsion.

Another update addresses threats to be included along with harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying as inappropriate conduct detrimental to the learning process and establishment of a safe school environment.

There is also an update in the suspension and expulsion provisions, which states that an administrator or designee shall impose a suspension, where as the policy previously stated that an assistant principal would administer a suspension.

In the same category, it is also stated that certain legal protections exist for students with disabilities and that, if a disabled student will be recommended for a suspension of more than 10 days, the administration will ensure that the required statutory and regulatory processes are followed.

In the section regarding corporal punishment, the code now states that an employee, volunteer or contractor may use reasonable restraint as necessary to maintain order and control under certain circumstances, whereas the policy previously stated that reasonable physical force may be used.

Demerits have also been eliminated from the student code of conduct, while school principals will no longer be responsible for developing and annually reviewing and revising additional written rules and regulations that will govern student conduct in their respectful buildings.