SPLC Action Fund Applauds New State Law Safeguarding Students' Due Process Rights

MONTGOMERY  — Today, the SPLC Action Fund applauded the passage of Alabama’s HB 188, a new law affirming the due process rights of all Alabama students facing long-term suspension and expulsion from school. 

“The U.S. Supreme Court has long made clear that the rights of students do not stop at the school door and we are pleased that Alabama’s state law is finally acknowledging this through the passage of HB 188,” said Jerome Dees, Alabama policy director, SPLC Action Fund. “This is a long-awaited victory for Alabama students and caregivers who previously were not afforded the chance to be heard at a disciplinary hearing,” continued Dees. 

“The new law, pending Governor Ivey's signature, will ensure that parents and guardians of students facing exclusionary discipline receive notification and have an opportunity to be heard and to present evidence and witnesses when accused of an infraction that could derail their education. While there is still more work to be done to address the “school-to-prison” pipeline in Alabama, especially for Black and Brown students, this is a major step in the right direction,” concluded Dees.