Understanding Student Discipline in Michigan Schools

Student discipline policies in Michigan continue to balance two goals: maintaining safe, orderly schools and keeping students connected to learning whenever possible. As of today, Michigan school districts still have broad authority to create local discipline rules, but those rules must operate within state law, federal special education protections, and guidance from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). In practice, that means discipline in Michigan is not one-size-fits-all. It is shaped by district policy, the type of misconduct, the student's age and needs, and whether the student has a disability or an individualized education program (IEP). ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/OFM/State-Aid/Pupil-Accounting/Manual/2025---2026-Documents/2025---2026-Pupil-Accounting-Manual.pdf?amp%3Brev=c8cb76eab9a0403daa880b650cdb3480&amp%3Bamp%3Butm_source=openai&amp%3Bhash=8E3AA391BF0F986D0651BD64FA0EEAF8&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

For parents and educators searching for the latest Michigan school discipline policy information, the most important point is that local school boards must develop and enforce a code of student conduct. That code typically covers behavior in classrooms, hallways, buses, school-sponsored events, and other school-related settings. Schools are also expected to explain suspension and expulsion procedures in student handbooks or related district documents. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/OFM/State-Aid/Pupil-Accounting/Manual/2025---2026-Documents/2025---2026-Pupil-Accounting-Manual.pdf?amp%3Brev=c8cb76eab9a0403daa880b650cdb3480&amp%3Bamp%3Butm_source=openai&amp%3Bhash=8E3AA391BF0F986D0651BD64FA0EEAF8&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

How Michigan School Discipline Is Structured

Michigan law gives school districts the authority to establish local discipline policies, but it also sets boundaries. Districts may suspend or expel students for certain conduct, and administrators can use a range of responses depending on the seriousness of the incident. The state's guidance emphasizes that discipline should be consistent, documented, and aligned with district policy. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/ohns/School-Health-and-Safety/2022-Final-Suspensions-and-Expulsion-doc.pdf?hash=05B1CA04D701DA03E7E663B54FE5F401&amp%3Brev=49386d937193427b9f998ea0dd2c5ebe&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

In many districts, the discipline process begins with classroom-level interventions, parent contact, counseling, behavior supports, or restorative approaches. More serious or repeated misconduct can lead to in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. Michigan's current guidance continues to encourage schools to use alternatives to exclusion when appropriate, especially when the goal is to address behavior without unnecessarily removing a student from instruction. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/en/mde/Services/health-safety/alt-expulsions-toolkit))

Suspension and Expulsion in Michigan

Suspension and expulsion remain the most serious discipline tools available to schools. Michigan's Revised School Code includes provisions that allow suspension or expulsion for certain offenses, including gross misdemeanor or persistent disobedience in some circumstances, and it also contains specific rules for serious offenses such as criminal sexual conduct, weapons-related conduct, arson, and other major safety concerns. Some expulsions can be long-term or, in limited cases, effectively permanent under state law. ([legislature.mi.gov](https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?highlight=mcl%2Creinstatement%2Cof%2Cmembers&amp%3BobjectName=mcl-380-1311&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

At the same time, Michigan guidance makes clear that districts should carefully follow procedural requirements and use the correct definitions when reporting suspensions and expulsions. That matters not only for compliance, but also for accurate state data and fair treatment of students. Schools are expected to document discipline decisions properly and apply them consistently. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/ohns/School-Health-and-Safety/2022-Final-Suspensions-and-Expulsion-doc.pdf?hash=05B1CA04D701DA03E7E663B54FE5F401&amp%3Brev=49386d937193427b9f998ea0dd2c5ebe&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

For families, one practical takeaway is that a suspension or expulsion does not always mean a student is cut off from education entirely. Michigan guidance notes that districts may provide instruction during a suspension or expulsion, or contract with another district or intermediate school district to provide educational services. In some cases, students may be served through an in-house suspension program or an alternative education program. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/OFM/State-Aid/Pupil-Accounting/Manual/2025---2026-Documents/2025---2026-Pupil-Accounting-Manual.pdf?amp%3Brev=c8cb76eab9a0403daa880b650cdb3480&amp%3Bamp%3Butm_source=openai&amp%3Bhash=8E3AA391BF0F986D0651BD64FA0EEAF8&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

Restorative Practices and Alternatives to Exclusion

Michigan has increasingly emphasized restorative practices as part of school discipline. The MDE describes restorative practices as an approach that focuses on healing, accountability, and repairing harm rather than relying only on punishment. The department provides restorative justice resources and modules to help districts integrate these practices into school climate, discipline, equity, and teaching and learning. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/health-safety/topics/school-safety/restorative-justice-practices))

This does not mean schools must ignore serious misconduct. Instead, restorative practices are often used alongside other interventions or as an alternative when appropriate. Michigan guidance for administrators and staff continues to encourage schools to consider restorative practices before or in addition to suspension or expulsion, especially when a less exclusionary response may better support both safety and student success. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/Food-and-Nutrition-Programs/School-Health-and-Safety/Alternatives-to-Suspension-and-Expulsion/2022-Revised-Suspension-and-Expulsion-Admin-and-Staff.pdf?hash=CCC81CA33647D3FB06030301D46E6BBC&amp%3Brev=6832ab2a0ae3457b8c88b1bb8e4c31be&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

Many districts also use positive behavior supports, early intervention, and student-centered discipline strategies. These approaches are designed to reduce repeat misconduct, improve school climate, and keep students engaged in learning. The state's toolkit materials highlight that discipline policy is not just about punishment; it is also about prevention, consistency, and support. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/en/mde/Services/health-safety/alt-expulsions-toolkit))

Special Education Discipline Protections

Discipline becomes more complex when a student has an IEP or may be eligible for special education services. Michigan's special education discipline guidance explains that schools must follow IDEA requirements when disciplining students with disabilities. Those rules address removals of 10 school days or less, removals beyond 10 consecutive school days, cumulative removals, and special circumstances such as weapons, drugs, or serious bodily injury. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/special-education/discipline))

Schools must also consider whether a student's behavior is connected to the disability and whether additional supports, including positive behavior interventions and supports, are needed. This is a critical area for compliance because students with disabilities have legal protections that may limit how and when they can be removed from school. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/special-education/discipline))

For families, this means that if a student receives special education services, discipline decisions should never be treated as routine. The district should review the student's record, follow IDEA procedures, and ensure the student's rights are protected throughout the process. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/special-education/discipline))

Why Michigan's Discipline Approach Matters in 2026

Michigan's current discipline framework reflects a broader national shift away from relying too heavily on exclusionary discipline. State resources continue to stress that schools should reduce unnecessary removals from class, address racial disparities, and use strategies that keep students connected to school. The state's school safety and discipline pages also show that discipline is now closely tied to school climate, mental health, and student support systems. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/en/mde/Services/health-safety/alt-expulsions-toolkit))

That matters because discipline policies can shape attendance, academic progress, and long-term outcomes. When students are removed from school too often, they can fall behind quickly. Michigan's emphasis on restorative practices, alternative education, and positive behavior supports reflects an effort to reduce those harms while still preserving school safety and order. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/health-safety/topics/school-safety/restorative-justice-practices))

What Parents and Educators Should Watch For

If you are a parent, teacher, or administrator in Michigan, it helps to review your district's code of student conduct each year. Look for the following:

• Clear definitions of prohibited behavior and possible consequences
• Procedures for suspension, expulsion, and appeals
• Whether restorative practices are offered or required in some situations
• How the district supports students during removals from school
• Special education discipline procedures for students with IEPs
• Alternative education options for students who are suspended or expelled

It is also wise to ask how the district handles repeated minor misconduct, because many discipline issues are resolved long before they reach suspension or expulsion. In a well-run system, the goal is not simply to punish, but to correct behavior, protect the learning environment, and help students return to success as quickly as possible. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/health-safety/alt-expulsions-toolkit/administrators))

The Bottom Line

Michigan student discipline policies in 2026 are built around local control, state legal requirements, and a growing emphasis on restorative and supportive approaches. Schools still have authority to suspend or expel students when necessary, but they are also encouraged to use alternatives that keep students learning and reduce unnecessary exclusion. For families and educators, the key is to understand the local code of conduct, know the state rules, and respond early when behavior concerns arise. In Michigan, effective discipline is increasingly about both accountability and opportunity. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/OFM/State-Aid/Pupil-Accounting/Manual/2025---2026-Documents/2025---2026-Pupil-Accounting-Manual.pdf?amp%3Brev=c8cb76eab9a0403daa880b650cdb3480&amp%3Bamp%3Butm_source=openai&amp%3Bhash=8E3AA391BF0F986D0651BD64FA0EEAF8&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

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Information is sourced from publicaly available information and may be inaccurate