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 Arizona, school discipline and punishment are governed by state statutes, which can be found in the Arizona Revised Statutes, particularly in the Education Code (Title 15). These laws provide the framework for disciplinary actions such as suspension and expulsion, and they grant local school boards the authority to develop specific policies and procedures for discipline within their districts. Arizona law prohibits corporal punishment in public schools, meaning that physical force cannot be used as a form of discipline. However, private and charter schools may have their own policies regarding corporal punishment, as they are not bound by the same statutes as public schools. Federal laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title IX, may also impact school discipline by providing additional protections for students with disabilities and prohibiting discrimination. 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. It is important for students and parents to be aware of both the state laws and the specific disciplinary policies of their school or school district.