Rethinking School Discipline: When Behavior Signals a Disability

Schools must look beyond behavior to identify disabilities. K Altman Law explains when discipline may violate IDEA and students’ legal rights.

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI, UNITED STATES, November 13, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- In light of a recent shift in national policy, families and educators are grappling with changes to how special education is managed and enforced across the United States. K Altman Law, a national education law firm, is offering guidance and legal insight into what this could mean for students, parents, and school systems.

School districts are re-evaluating suspension and expulsion practices, especially when behavior may be related to undiagnosed disabilities or known IEP/504 conditions. [1]

Federal law requires manifestation determination reviews before disciplining students with IEPs. Improper removals can violate IDEA and Section 504. Families must understand their procedural rights.

These developments raise important legal considerations for parents and guardians navigating the special education system. Federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provide specific protections, including the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), access to appropriate evaluations, individualized services, and procedural safeguards. Weakening oversight or altering accountability structures may dilute these rights.

K Altman Law attorneys emphasize that families should remain vigilant and informed, especially in states where enforcement resources or regulatory frameworks may be less robust. Legal intervention may be necessary when delays, denials, or discriminatory practices emerge.

Keith Altman, Founder and Managing Partner of K Altman Law, noted: “Too often, discipline becomes a stand-in for support. Schools must understand the root causes of behavior.” Altman, whose firm represents families nationwide in IEP, Section 504, and due process matters, urges parents to review their children’s plans, ensure timelines are met, and seek legal guidance at the first sign of noncompliance or rights violations.

The impact of these policy shifts will depend on state implementation, court challenges, and continued advocacy from the disability rights community. K Altman Law recommends that families keep records of all school communications, request IEP reviews where appropriate, and consult legal professionals to proactively address concerns.

Facing discipline tied to disability? Call K Altman Law: https://www.kaltmanlaw.com

Keith Altman
K Altman Law
+1 888-984-1341
kalonline@kaltmanlaw.com
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