Expulsion Appeals

Expulsion Appeal Attorney for College and K–12 Students in New Jersey

Whether your child is in public school or attending a New Jersey university, an expulsion can have life-changing consequences. Permanent removal from school can derail graduation, financial aid, housing, scholarships, and future opportunities.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent both K–12 and higher education students in expulsion appeals across New Jersey — including Camden, Trenton, Cherry Hill, and Gloucester County. We help students fight back when schools overstep, violate due process, or apply excessive punishment.

And under most circumstances, we can represent students facing expulsion proceedings anywhere in the country.

What Counts as Expulsion in New Jersey?

An expulsion is a long-term or permanent removal from a school or academic institution. In K–12 public schools, expulsion is typically defined as a removal lasting more than 10 consecutive school days, governed by N.J.A.C. 6A:16. In colleges and universities, expulsion may appear as a dismissal, separation, or conduct-related withdrawal from the institution.

Both settings require due process, but the protections and procedures vary by educational level and institution.

Common Grounds for Appealing Expulsions

We handle expulsion appeals involving:

• Alleged academic dishonesty (plagiarism, cheating)
• Title IX allegations involving sexual misconduct or harassment
• Disciplinary code violations (e.g., drug possession, violence, threats)
• Violation of student rights under the Fourteenth Amendment or school policy
• Failure to provide accommodations under Section 504 or the IDEA

We scrutinize whether the school followed its own procedures, upheld student rights, and imposed a proportionate consequence based on the facts.

Expulsion Appeal Process in New Jersey (K–12 and Higher Ed)

The appeal process varies:

For K–12 public schools:

1. Receive written notice of the proposed expulsion
2. File an appeal with the local board of education
3. Attend a disciplinary hearing, present witnesses and evidence
4. Appeal further to the New Jersey Commissioner of Education, if needed

For colleges and universities:

1. Request a review under the institution’s student handbook or code of conduct
2. Submit written appeals and evidence
3. Attend hearings (often with panel reviews)
4. If applicable, pursue administrative or legal remedies under state or federal law

We represent students through every stage, tailoring our approach to the rules of the school or university involved.

Why Legal Counsel Is Critical

Educational institutions — both K–12 and higher ed — often have attorneys or conduct boards guiding the process. Without experienced counsel, students and parents may unknowingly waive rights or accept unfavorable outcomes.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we:

• Prepare compelling written appeals
• Represent students in conduct hearings
• Challenge unlawful procedures or disciplinary bias
• Engage with general counsel or outside investigators
• Preserve your student’s record and reputation

Whether you’re facing expulsion from a New Jersey public high school, or you’re a college student at Rutgers, Rowan, Princeton, or a private university, our team brings the legal firepower to protect your academic future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Expulsion Appeals in New Jersey

Can my child be expelled from school without a hearing?

No — in most cases, your child has the right to a hearing before being expelled, especially in New Jersey public schools. Schools must provide advance notice, outline the charges, and allow you to present evidence and witnesses. If this didn’t happen, the expulsion may be unlawful.

What should I do if my child gets an expulsion notice?

Act immediately. Save the letter or email, don’t speak to school officials without an attorney, and request the full disciplinary file. Then contact an education attorney who can review the school’s process and help you prepare for the hearing or file an appeal.

How do I appeal an expulsion in New Jersey?

In most cases, you must submit a written request to the school district within 10 days of receiving the expulsion notice. The appeal process may involve a hearing before the Board of Education. If the decision is not reversed, you may be able to escalate the case to the New Jersey Commissioner of Education.

Can you fight a college or university expulsion?

Yes. Colleges and universities have their own codes of conduct, but students are still entitled to due process. We handle expulsions related to academic misconduct, Title IX, and code violations at institutions like Rutgers, Rowan, Princeton, and others. Every school has its own appeal procedures — we help students navigate them.

What happens if my child is expelled from a public high school?

They may lose access to classes, sports, and academic credit — and it can affect college admissions, scholarships, and even future employment. Some school districts offer alternative placements, but those options are often limited. A successful appeal may prevent or reverse these consequences.

Can my child be expelled for something off-campus or on social media?

Sometimes. Schools in New Jersey may try to expel students for off-campus behavior, including social media posts or texts, if they believe it disrupted the school environment. These cases are often legally weak — we routinely challenge them.

Do I need a lawyer for a school expulsion hearing?

Absolutely. While you can technically represent yourself, schools often have attorneys or hearing officers on their side. An experienced education lawyer can challenge the evidence, protect your child’s rights, and increase your chances of avoiding long-term consequences.

Do you handle expulsion cases outside New Jersey?

Yes — under most circumstances, we can represent students across the country in both K–12 and higher education expulsion cases. We advise families nationwide depending on the school, location, and legal issues involved.

How much time do I have to stop an expulsion?

Very little. In K–12 public school cases, you usually have 10 calendar days or fewer to appeal. In college cases, it could be as short as 5 days depending on the school’s policy. The sooner you get legal help, the more we can do to protect your record.

Take Control of the Situation — Before It Controls You

If you’re reading this, time is not on your side. Expulsion proceedings move quickly — hearings are scheduled with little notice, records can be sealed, and critical rights are often waived before families even understand what’s at stake. Every day you wait narrows your legal options and gives the school more leverage.

Don’t let the process control you. Call Ratliff Jackson LLP now at 856-209-3111, or contact us directly through our secure online form. Let us take the burden off your shoulders — and put the pressure exactly where it belongs.