Where a principal believes that a student has engaged in an activity or behaviour listed below, while at school, at a school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school climate, the student must be suspended for up to 20 school days and considered for possible expulsion (Section 310(1) of the Education Act):
- Possessing a weapon, including possessing a firearm.
- Using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person.
- Committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by a medical practitioner.
- Committing sexual assault.
- Trafficking in weapons or in illegal drugs.
- Committing robbery.
- Giving alcohol to a minor.
- Bullying, if,
a) the pupil has previously been suspended for engaging in bullying, and
b) the pupil’s continuing presence in the school creates an unacceptable risk to the safety of another person.
- Any activity listed in subsection 306 (1) that is motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other similar factor.
- Any other activity that, under a policy of a board, is an activity for which a principal must suspend a pupil and, therefore in accordance with this part, conduct an investigation to determine whether to recommend to the board that the pupil be expelled.
In conducting the prompt investigation to determine whether to recommend an expulsion the principal must make all reasonable efforts to speak with the student, his or her parent/guardian and any other person the principal believes may have relevant information. Board policy will direct the process. Equally important, principals must document the consideration of the mitigating and other factors in deciding whether to recommend expulsion. Finally the requisite report must be completed if recommending expulsion, or alternatively if no expulsion is in order, provide written notice of whether the suspension is confirmed and its duration, or alternatively withdrawn.