LANSING, MICHIGAN (AP) -- The Michigan Appeals Court says teachers do not have a right to sue if they disagree with how a school district punishes students for bad behavior.

The Lansing district suspended four students who were accused of throwing chairs at two teachers, slapping one, and striking another in the face with a wristband.

Four teachers and their union say the students should have been expelled under a state school-safety law.  But the Michigan Court of Appeals said Wednesday the law does not give them the right to challenge the district's decision.

The court calls it unfortunate, but says it must stick to the language of the law.

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