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(856) 209-3111

Ratliff Jackson LLP logo – New Jersey trial lawyers focused on justice and driven by results.

Student Rights Lawyers

Editorial illustration of diverse students holding signs reading ‘Student Rights’ and ‘Know Your Rights’ inside a classic school hearing room, symbolizing advocacy by New Jersey student rights lawyers.

Defending Students, Protecting Futures — New Jersey Student Rights Lawyers Who Get Results

Every student deserves an education free from bias, intimidation, and rushed discipline. When a school or university oversteps its authority, the damage can reach far beyond the classroom. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, our New Jersey student rights lawyers defend students and families against unfair treatment, protecting what matters most — your child’s education, reputation, and future.

Across New Jersey, from Cherry Hill East near Garden State Park Plaza to Princeton High School by historic Nassau Hall, students face disciplinary actions that can affect college admissions, scholarships, and career paths. Our attorneys step in to make sure those decisions are based on facts and law — not assumptions or administrative shortcuts.

Education is more than attendance and grades; it’s a legally protected right. The U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and New Jersey education codes guarantee due process before any suspension, expulsion, or disciplinary record is imposed. Schools must follow these procedures; when they don’t, Ratliff Jackson LLP holds them accountable.

Our student rights lawyers bring both local knowledge and national perspective to every matter. Our attorneys are licensed in Alabama, California, Hawaii, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, allowing us to advise on multi-state school discipline and education law issues that reach beyond state borders. That breadth of experience means we understand how similar cases are resolved across jurisdictions — and how to leverage those insights for New Jersey students.

Our approach is grounded in compassion and precision. Parents trust us because we combine courtroom experience with an educator’s understanding of how schools operate. Whether the challenge is a week-long suspension or a university Title IX hearing, we intervene quickly, evaluate every procedural flaw, and fight for the fairness every student is promised under the law.

When your child’s future is on the line, you need more than sympathy — you need results. Ratliff Jackson LLP provides both.

Protecting Students From Unfair School Discipline

A disciplinary hearing may feel informal, but the stakes could not be higher. One unchecked allegation can jeopardize a scholarship, delay graduation, or permanently mark a student’s record. Our New Jersey student rights lawyers make sure that doesn’t happen.

Under N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.2 through 7.5, every public school must provide clear notice, a fair hearing, and an opportunity to respond before any suspension or expulsion is imposed. Those rights exist because education is a property interest protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. When schools skip steps or predetermine outcomes, they violate due process — and our firm steps in fast to correct it.

When a student is removed from school, parents have options — but the timeline is tight. We prepare appeals to the superintendent and the board of education, then, if needed, file a petition with the New Jersey Commissioner of Education. For college students, we challenge disciplinary boards at Rutgers–New Brunswick, Stockton University, or Montclair State that fail to comply with their own procedures.

Our firm also handles cases where a school’s disciplinary process overlaps with criminal allegations. We coordinate with criminal defense counsel to ensure that what’s said in a campus hearing doesn’t later harm a client in court.

Discipline is supposed to teach accountability — not destroy opportunity. Our student rights lawyers ensure schools respect both the law and the students they’re entrusted to educate.

Understanding Your Rights in New Jersey Schools

Every student — whether in elementary school, high school, or college — is covered by a network of state and federal laws designed to guarantee fair treatment and equal access to education.

Federal Protections for Students

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) — Guarantees individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act — Prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities in schools receiving federal funds.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — Extends protections against discrimination to all public and most private schools.
  • Title IX — Protects against sex discrimination and retaliation.
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) — Safeguards access to and correction of student records.

We guide families through mediation, due-process hearings, and appeals under both federal and New Jersey law. We also represent college students facing Title IX investigations, ensuring cross-examination, evidence access, and appeal rights.

New Jersey-Specific Protections

State law adds additional layers through the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, and the Administrative Code (N.J.A.C. 6A:16) governing student conduct.

Students can appeal disciplinary or special education decisions through the NJDOE Bureau of Controversies and Disputes. Our firm has represented families across the state — from Camden County near the Adventure Aquarium to Hudson County near the Liberty Science Center — making sure schools comply with their legal obligations.

For families navigating special education disputes, visit our Special Education Law page for details on IEP rights and administrative appeals.

Student Bill of Rights

Every student deserves fairness, dignity, and access to education. Many states reinforce this principle through formal Student Bills of Rights.

In New Jersey, the Deaf Student’s Bill of Rights (N.J.S.A. 18A:46-2.8) guarantees equal access to instruction and communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Other states, like California and Georgia, have adopted similar frameworks emphasizing equality, safety, and free expression.

Examples include:

  • Georgia Department of Education – Student Bill of Rights
  • New Jersey Department of Education – Deaf Student’s Bill of Rights
  • Los Angeles Unified School District (California) – Student Bill of Rights
  • National Youth Rights Association – Model Student Bill of Rights
  • U.S. House Bill 2057 – Students Bill of Rights Act of 2025 (pending)

These documents serve as powerful advocacy tools. In Newark, families have relied on the principles behind New Jersey’s student-rights framework to challenge unequal access to bilingual education and extracurricular programs.

When schools ignore these standards — whether by denying accommodations or failing to address bullying — our student rights lawyers enforce the rights every student is owed under state and federal law.

Common Student Rights Issues We Handle

Our firm represents families across New Jersey and nationally in cases involving:

  • Expulsions and Suspensions — Ensuring due process and documented evidence.
  • Academic Misconduct and Grade Disputes — Defending against biased or unsupported accusations.
  • Bullying and Harassment (HIB) — Enforcing timely investigations under New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.
  • Special Education and Disability Rights — Enforcing IDEA and Section 504 accommodations.
  • Discrimination and Retaliation — Fighting bias under NJLAD and Title IX.
  • Residency and Enrollment Disputes — Proving rightful enrollment under N.J.A.C. 6A:22.
  • Teacher Misconduct and Investigations — Using our Teacher Rights Lawyer experience for balance.

Education law isn’t one-size-fits-all — but fairness always is. We make sure schools, colleges, and universities meet both their legal and ethical duties.

Defending Students in K–12 and Higher Education

From kindergartners to graduate students, Ratliff Jackson LLP ensures every learner’s rights are respected.

K–12 Representation

Younger students have the same due process rights as adults. 

We handle:

  • Disciplinary hearings and appeals
  • Bullying and harassment complaints
  • IEP and 504 disputes
  • Residency challenges
  • Record expungements

College and University Representation

At the college level, disciplinary panels and Title IX boards hold enormous power. We’ve represented students at Rutgers University, Rowan University, and Temple University, ensuring investigations follow proper rules.

Because we’re licensed in multiple states, we also help out-of-state students — for example, a New Jersey resident attending UCLA or University of Michigan — navigate education law issues that cross jurisdictional lines.

The hearing room may not look like a courtroom, but the outcome can alter a life. We treat these cases with the same seriousness as any civil or criminal matter.

Multistate Experience & National Perspective

Education is local in practice but national in principle. Our student rights lawyers are licensed in Alabama, California, Hawaii, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia — providing a multistate understanding of due process and equal protection in education.

This perspective allows us to apply lessons from across the country — from Tuscaloosa’s Bryant–Denny Stadium to Ann Arbor’s Diag and Honolulu’s Diamond Head — to strengthen outcomes for New Jersey families.

Whether your child faces suspension in Camden, a Title IX hearing in Philadelphia, or discrimination in California, our student rights lawyers bring national insight with local precision.

Bullying, Harassment & Discrimination in Schools

No student should feel unsafe or marginalized in school. We hold districts accountable under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, Title IX, and NJLAD.

Our student rights lawyers also represent students falsely accused of bullying, ensuring investigations rely on verified facts — not assumption or rumor.

When discrimination occurs, whether racial, religious, gender-based, or disability-related, we use state and federal law to enforce equality. Our representation at schools from Newark to Rowan University has led to meaningful policy reforms and restored trust.

Appeals, Expungement & Restoring Student Records

A disciplinary record shouldn’t define a student’s future. We file appeals before local boards, the New Jersey Commissioner of Education, and, when necessary, the Appellate Division.

Our student rights lawyers also pursue record corrections under FERPA and state law, removing inaccurate entries from transcripts and digital databases. Our advocacy ensures colleges, employers, and licensing boards see an accurate reflection of your child’s achievements — not a one-sided narrative.

Why Families Choose Ratliff Jackson LLP

Families choose our student rights lawyers because we combine empathy with results. We aren’t a volume firm — we’re a precision firm.

Our student rights lawyers have secured reinstatements, reversed suspensions, and corrected records for students in Camden County, Mercer County, and beyond. When school investigations overlap with criminal allegations, our experience in civil litigation, consumer fraud, and criminal defense ensures that every angle is protected.

Parents appreciate our clarity, preparation, and responsiveness. When you call, you speak directly with someone who knows your case. We explain options, act fast, and never lose sight of the human side of education law.

With licenses in seven states, we offer both national reach and local dedication — standing up for students wherever fairness is at risk.

Protect Your Child’s Future Today

When your child faces unfair discipline, discrimination, or denial of educational services, time is critical. Delays allow schools to finalize reports and create records that become harder to undo.

We start every case with a focused strategy session. You’ll know exactly where your case stands, what evidence matters most, and what steps to take next.

To schedule a confidential consultation, call 856-209-3111 or visit our consultation request page. Our office is located at 811 Church Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, and we proudly serve clients throughout South Jersey, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and across the United States.

Ratliff Jackson LLP — defending students, protecting rights, and restoring futures.

Other Practice Areas of Education

FAQS: Frequently Asked Questions Asked to Our Student Rights Lawyers

  1. Can a school suspend my child before letting me see the evidence?

No. Schools must provide written notice of charges and an opportunity to review the evidence before imposing suspension. Our New Jersey student rights lawyers regularly challenge suspensions issued without documentation or parent access.

  1. What happens if my child’s teacher wrote an incident report that doesn’t match the surveillance footage?

That discrepancy can be grounds for reversal. We subpoena footage, witness statements, and compare inconsistencies—often resulting in reinstatement when the school’s narrative collapses under review.

  1. Are schools allowed to question students without calling parents first?

Generally, no. Except in emergencies, students—especially minors—should not be interrogated without parental notice. Our attorneys challenge statements taken under pressure or without a guardian present.

  1. Can I record my child’s disciplinary hearing in New Jersey?

Yes, if disclosed. Many schools attempt to prohibit recording, but families have the right to document proceedings for appeal. We notify districts in advance and ensure compliance with open-meeting standards.

  1. The school called the police before calling me — is that legal?

Only if there was an imminent safety threat. Otherwise, it violates state protocol. Our New Jersey student rights lawyers hold districts accountable when they escalate disciplinary matters into law enforcement prematurely.

  1. How fast must a school investigate a bullying complaint under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act?

Investigations must begin within one school day and be completed within ten. Delays are one of the most common procedural violations we expose in bullying and harassment cases.

  1. Can a student be punished for something that happened off school grounds, like a social media post?

Not automatically. Schools must prove the conduct caused a “substantial disruption” on campus. Our attorneys have overturned many suspensions tied to off-campus behavior or free speech.

  1. What if my child was defending themselves but still got suspended for fighting?

That’s a due process issue. We review whether the school considered mitigating factors, as required under N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.3. Self-defense is not misconduct when properly documented.

  1. How do I appeal a long-term suspension when the school board already approved it?

You can appeal to the New Jersey Commissioner of Education. Our firm drafts comprehensive petitions that challenge both evidence and procedure to secure reinstatement or record correction.

  1. What if the principal refuses to share the written decision after the hearing?

That’s a direct violation of due process. Schools must provide written findings and appeal instructions. We file immediate demands and complaints to compel disclosure.

  1. Can I bring a lawyer to an expulsion hearing, or must I use an advocate?

You have the right to legal representation. Many families mistakenly think attorneys aren’t allowed—our student rights lawyers attend and cross-examine witnesses regularly.

  1. How do you challenge biased administrators on a school discipline panel?

We request recusals and document any pre-hearing communications that show bias. Administrative impartiality is mandatory under both state law and constitutional standards.

  1. Can a school refuse to enroll my child because we’re temporarily staying with family?

No. Under the McKinney-Vento Act, students experiencing housing instability must be enrolled immediately. Our firm ensures districts honor that federal protection.

  1. My child was accused of plagiarism but the software report is wrong — what now?

Challenge it. Turnitin and similar programs only flag similarities, not intent. We present contextual evidence and faculty testimony to prove legitimate authorship.

  1. Are schools allowed to use anonymous student statements as evidence?

Not without corroboration. We often succeed in excluding hearsay and forcing direct witness testimony in student discipline hearings.

  1. Can a school punish my child for recording a teacher yelling at students?

Not if it exposes misconduct or safety concerns. We argue First Amendment and whistleblower protections where recordings serve a legitimate purpose.

  1. What if my child’s IEP meeting keeps getting postponed?

That’s a procedural violation under IDEA. Schools must meet annually and upon parent request. We compel timely meetings through written notice and administrative complaints.

  1. How do I prove retaliation after we filed a bullying complaint?

We track adverse actions—sudden detentions, grading changes, or social exclusion—and link them chronologically to the protected report. Our attorneys use this pattern to prove retaliation.

  1. Can a high school stop my child from walking at graduation because of a suspension?

Only if disciplinary consequences were clearly communicated beforehand. We’ve reversed last-minute exclusions that lacked prior notice or proper board approval.

  1. My child was accused of vaping but the school never tested the device — do we have grounds to challenge it?

Yes. Without verified substance identification, the evidence is speculative. Our New Jersey student rights lawyers frequently overturn such baseless suspensions.

  1. Can a college discipline a student for something that happened off-campus during summer break?

Only if the code of conduct explicitly grants that authority. Many universities overreach—we hold them to their published jurisdictional limits.

  1. Is it legal for a university to deny housing after a Title IX complaint is filed?

Not as retaliation. We file immediate complaints when schools impose housing restrictions before findings are issued.

  1. How do you handle a situation where campus police and the school’s Title IX office are investigating the same incident?

We coordinate strategy to ensure consistency and protect against double jeopardy in findings. Our attorneys bridge the gap between administrative and criminal defense.

  1. What’s the difference between a student code violation and a criminal charge?

Discipline hearings use “preponderance of evidence,” not “beyond reasonable doubt.” We prepare both defenses to prevent school findings from influencing criminal outcomes.

  1. My child confessed during questioning without a parent present — can that be used against them?

Not if obtained through coercion or without notice. We move to suppress improperly obtained statements in both administrative and criminal contexts.

  1. How long do schools have to keep disciplinary records, and can they delete them?

FERPA allows parents to request correction or expungement of inaccurate or outdated entries. Our firm files those petitions routinely.

  1. Can my child’s private school expel them without any hearing at all?

Private schools aren’t bound by the same due process laws, but contract and fairness doctrines still apply. We use enrollment agreements to hold them accountable.

  1. What’s the best way to request my child’s full disciplinary file under FERPA?

Submit a written FERPA request citing “all education records related to disciplinary proceedings.” We guide families on precise wording and follow-ups.

  1. Are students allowed to have witnesses speak for them during a school hearing?

Yes. Denying witnesses violates both fairness and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.5. Our attorneys insist on the right to present and question witnesses.

  1. Can a university punish me for something I said in a private group chat?

Not unless it caused a material disruption or harassment under policy. We’ve defended numerous students wrongly accused over private speech.

  1. What if a professor or coach pressures students not to file complaints?

That’s retaliation and violates Title IX and NJLAD. We file formal complaints and seek protective measures.

  1. How can parents tell if a “manifestation determination” was handled correctly?

Check if all IEP team members attended and reviewed relevant data. Missing members or skipped steps invalidate the result.

  1. Can students with anxiety or ADHD be disciplined for behavior tied to their condition?

Not without a manifestation review. We ensure schools don’t punish symptoms that should trigger accommodations instead.

  1. How do you reopen a school investigation that was rushed or incomplete?

We request reconsideration with new evidence and procedural objections. If denied, we escalate to the Commissioner of Education.

  1. What if the district’s anti-bullying specialist refuses to meet with us?

That violates transparency obligations. We compel cooperation through written demand letters and, if needed, NJDOE complaints.

  1. Can my child’s expulsion in New Jersey affect college admission in another state?

Yes, but we prepare explanatory statements and pursue record expungement to prevent unfair stigma during admissions review.

  1. Is there a way to clear a disciplinary mark before senior year starts?

Yes — through administrative appeal or negotiated resolution. Our student rights lawyers often secure early removal for first-time incidents.

  1. What happens if a college Title IX investigator used evidence they refused to share with us?

That’s a due process violation. We appeal under federal guidelines requiring equal evidence access.

  1. Can a student’s social media be used against them in a conduct hearing?

Yes, but it must be authenticated and contextually relevant. We exclude screenshots and edited posts lacking verification.

  1. How can parents challenge a biased teacher’s report without escalating conflict?

Start with documentation, not emotion. We request internal review first, then elevate formally if bias persists.

  1. Are schools required to notify parents when a student is searched on campus?

Yes, unless immediate safety risks prevent it. We challenge any search conducted without cause or notice.

  1. What if the school changed the rules mid-year and applied them retroactively?

That’s unconstitutional. Policies cannot be applied ex post facto. We file appeals and injunctions to reverse those decisions.

  1. How do you handle a situation where teachers disagree about what happened?

We cross-examine inconsistencies and highlight credibility issues—often leading to findings of “insufficient evidence.”

  1. Can the school punish a student for missing class due to mental health treatment?

No. Mental health absences supported by documentation must be accommodated. Our attorneys enforce these rights under Section 504.

  1. What’s the process for clearing a student’s name after false bullying allegations?

We demand written correction, record expungement, and notification to all recipients of prior findings.

  1. If a student apologizes under pressure, is that considered an admission of guilt?

Not necessarily. Coerced apologies lack evidentiary value. We ensure such statements aren’t misused in hearings.

  1. Can a student sue a school district for violating due process rights?

Yes. After exhausting administrative remedies, we file civil actions under 42 U.S.C. §1983 or state constitutional claims.

  1. How can I stop a university from releasing disciplinary findings to graduate schools?

FERPA restricts disclosure without consent. We send legal notices to ensure compliance and remove inaccurate entries.

  1. What do you do when a school’s lawyer contacts your child directly?

That’s unethical. We notify the district’s counsel immediately and document the violation for potential sanctions.

  1. How can I make sure this never happens again — what rights protect us moving forward?

Document everything. Know your procedural rights, and contact experienced New Jersey student rights lawyers at Ratliff Jackson LLP before responding to any new allegations.

 

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