Twin Cities attorney Thomas Wieser regularly advises non-public or religious schools that are considering expulsion of a student. With more than 40 years of practice experience in school and education law, Tom has the right experience, skills, and knowledge to assist clients in these difficult situations.

Issues in an Expulsion Matter

When a non-public or religious school considers expelling a student, many issues must be considered, such as:

  • Should the alleged misconduct be reported to law enforcement?
  • Does the student’s race, ethnicity, or gender raise possible discrimination concerns?
  • How has the school disciplined other students accused of the same or similar misconduct?
  • What type of investigation is necessary before making the expulsion decision?
  • Does the parent or student handbook give the school the authority to expel the student for the alleged misconduct?
  • What type of due process is required? (The Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act does not apply to non-public and religious schools.)
  • Should the student be given the option to withdraw from the school?
  • Does the school have an obligation to inform the student’s new school about the basis for the expulsion determination, such as possession of a weapon or a threat to the safety of teachers?

In most instances, the school needs to act quickly to make an expulsion decision. Tom has the experience to help the client navigate thoroughly and expeditiously through all the relevant issues.

Contact Attorney Thomas Wieser

For more information about our non-public and religious school expulsion practice, or to discuss a specific situation with Tom Wieser, please reach out to us using our online contact page. Based in the Twin Cities region, Tom assists clients throughout the State of Minnesota.