A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

FOR RELEASE                                         Contact: Jim Bradshaw June 20, 1996                                              (202) 401-1576

STATEMENT BY
SECRETARY OF EDUCATION
RICHARD W. RILEY
Regarding the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling on the Virginia Special Education Case

I'm pleased that the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has upheld the department's position on what the IDEA means. While the IDEA permits school officials to suspend and expel disabled students who have misbehaved, it requires that disabled students who have been removed from their classroom receive education in an alternative setting. This is a sensible approach that promotes safe schools and safe communities. The alternative -- putting children out on the street -- is bad for children, their families and their communities.