RI H7526

Teachers may remove students from classrooms for chronic disruptive behavior (3+ documented incidents per term despite interventions) or acts posing immediate physical threats to safety.

Removed students must receive a return-to-classroom plan developed by the principal with teacher consultation before returning; if the teacher objects, a three-person review committee determines placement.

Students with disabilities retain all protections under IDEA and Section 504; removals cannot be for minor infractions like tardiness.

School districts must adopt policies by October 1, 2026 and report removal data annually to RIDE, disaggregated by race, gender, grade level, and disability status.

Teachers and staff acting in good faith are protected from disciplinary action or retaliation, and collective bargaining rights remain unaffected.