KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Suspensions and Expulsions

4: Expulsions

Complete & Continue Next Lesson Learn More

OVERVIEW

This is the 4th of 4 videos in our short series on Suspensions & Expulsions, featuring Ward 2 Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) trustee, Sabreina Dahab.

Expulsions are one of the most serious disciplinary actions a school can take—and they can feel confusing, intimidating, and isolating.

As we discussed in video 2, Black, Indigenous, racialized and disabled students are often expelled at higher rates, and this is a direct result of an education system that fails to accommodate students, then blames them for the outcome.

That’s why it’s so important to understand what an expulsion is, what the process involves, and what your rights are every step of the way.

This video helps students and families make sense of the expulsion process, advocate for themselves, and understand what support is available.

You can find the transcription for this video here (including visual descriptions for the video).

Refer to our glossary if you’re having trouble understanding any of the terms in this series.

  • An expulsion is a formal decision to permanently remove a student from their school (or in some cases, from all schools in the school board) for “serious violations” of the school’s Code of Conduct. You can find the Code of Conduct for your school board on their website.

    Expulsions can only happen after a detailed process that includes a suspension, investigation, and a formal expulsion hearing.

    Students from Kindergarten to Grade 3 cannot be expelled under the Education Act.

  • According to the Education Act, expulsions may be considered in response to:

    • Physical violence or threats

    • Having weapons or firearms

    • Criminal activity (like robbery or sexual violence)

    • Repeated harmful behaviors that haven’t stopped after school interventions

    • Hate crimes or hate-motivated actions

    *Note: You can be expelled even if the incident did not happen on school property, if they believe that your actions have/had a negative impact on the school environment.

    Each case is unique, and principals must consider the student’s individual circumstances before recommending expulsion.

    But principals must consider several factors before making the decision to request an expulsion hearing, including your disabilities and your history at the school.

  • Principals cannot expel students. They can only recommend expulsion. The final decision is made by the school board’s trustees after a hearing—this is why video 1 covers the role of trustees, so make sure you go back and watch it if you haven’t already. 

  • Before an expulsion can happen, the school must:

    • Suspend the student while they investigate.

    • Conduct a thorough investigation including interviews, collecting evidence, and talking to the student and their family.

    • Write a formal report explaining why expulsion is being recommended.

    • Share the report with the student’s family and the school board.

    • Schedule a hearing within 20 school days of the suspension.

  • At the expulsion hearing:

    • The school presents their report and findings.

    • The student and their family can share their side of the story and raise any concerns.

    • Translators, interpreters, lawyers, and community support people are welcome.

    The decision-makers are three trustees (selected at random) who listen to both sides and choose one of the following:

    • Keep the suspension in place

    • Expel the student from just their current school

    • Expel the student from all schools in the board

  • Families will receive written notice of the decision. If the student is expelled:

    • From all schools: The board must offer a program for expelled students, which includes academic learning and non-academic supports like counseling or life skills programs.

    • From only their school: The student will be assigned to a different school by the superintendent, based on location and support needs.

    Every expelled student gets an individualized action plan to help them stay on track toward graduation.

  • Families can appeal the decision within 30 days of receiving the notice by contacting the Child and Family Services Review Board. The school’s superintendent can help you with the process.

    But if you would rather do it on your own (or your superintendent is not helpful), you should reach out to a community organization to support you.

    Here are the steps to appeal an expulsion:

    Go to: https://tribunalsontario.ca/cfsrb/forms-and-filing/

    Download the form called: “Application Related to a Student Expulsion”

    The form will ask for:

    • Student’s name and school information.

    • Parent/guardian contact information.

    • Details of the expulsion decision (date, school board, reason)

    • Why you are appealing (where you can write briefly about why you disagree with the expulsion).

    You can send your completed form to the CFSRB in any one of the following ways:

    By Email: CFSRB@ontario.ca

    By Mail:

    Child and Family Services Review Board

    Tribunals Ontario

    15 Grosvenor Street, Ground Floor

    Toronto, ON M7A 2G6

    By Fax: 416-327-0558

    After you submit the appeal, the CFSRB will contact you with next steps. A hearing will be scheduled where you can explain your side. You can bring documents, evidence, or someone to support you (like a lawyer, community advocate, or translator)—it's up to you to choose what supports you want.

  • Yes! There is a pathway to re-apply for re-entry. Families can ask the school board to review the student’s progress in the expelled student program. If the student has met the goals in their action plan, they may be allowed to return to their original school or another school in the board.

  • The Ontario Student Record (OSR) is the student’s official file. It includes report cards, IEPs, support plans, and notes about suspensions or expulsions. Parents/guardians can ask to see OSRs for children under the age of 18.

    Follow these steps:

    1. Contact the school: Reach out to your child's current or last attended school. Ask to speak with the principal or the person responsible for student records.

    2. Submit a written request: Provide a written request stating that you wish to access your child's OSR. Include your child's full name, date of birth, and any other identifying information to assist the school in locating the record.

    3. Schedule an appointment: The school will arrange a time for you to review the OSR. A school staff member will be present during the review to answer any questions and ensure the security of the records.

    4. Request copies: If you require copies of any documents within the OSR, inform the school. They may provide copies upon request. Note that some schools may charge a fee for photocopying, or will only allow you to view it in person. If you have any trouble, we recommend reaching out to us or another trusted community organization for next steps. 

    Importantly, the OSR:

    • Stays confidential (private) within the school board

    • Does not follow students to college, university, or another board