This document summarizes the history and key aspects of Ontario's Safe Schools Act and subsequent Policy/Program Memoranda (PPM). It began in the late 1990s due to parent demands for safer schools. Bill 81 established limited and full expulsions. A review in 2005 found issues around communication, suspensions/expulsions of special needs and racialized students. Bill 212 was passed in 2007 to address these issues, focusing on communication, individual education plans, and respect/fair treatment. New PPMs established rules around suspensions, expulsions, bullying, progressive discipline, and codes of conduct. School boards were required to develop policies and programs to implement the PPMs, focusing on communication, individualized support, and

1. Safe Schools Working Together