Laws regarding school discipline and punishment vary from state to state; from school district to school district; and between public schools, private schools, and charter schools. School discipline and punishment laws are generally located in a state’s statutes (often in the Education Code) and further defined in a specific school’s policies and procedures. Federal laws may also apply in particular school discipline contexts. And state and federal criminal laws may apply to certain student conduct that occurs on school property or at school-sponsored events.

Exclusionary discipline is any type of school discipline that removes or excludes a student from their usual educational setting. Two of the most common exclusionary discipline actions are suspension and expulsion.

Corporal punishment is the use of physical force—usually paddling or spanking—to punish a student for misbehavior. Corporal punishment against students is legal in approximately 19 states but is controversial and the subject of proposed state and federal legislation to limit or prohibit its use.

In Arkansas, school discipline and punishment are governed by state statutes within the Education Code and are further detailed in the policies and procedures of individual school districts, whether they are public, private, or charter schools. Federal laws, such as those protecting students with disabilities, also influence school discipline practices. Arkansas is one of the states where corporal punishment is legal and can be used as a form of discipline in schools. However, the use of corporal punishment is subject to state regulations and local school district policies, and it must be administered in a manner that follows the guidelines set forth by the state. Exclusionary discipline, such as suspension and expulsion, is also practiced in Arkansas schools. These disciplinary actions are typically reserved for more serious infractions and are regulated by both state law and individual school district policies to ensure due process rights for students. Additionally, state and federal criminal laws may be invoked in cases of student conduct that constitutes a crime, whether it occurs on school property or during school-sponsored events.