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 Idaho, school discipline and punishment are governed by state statutes, which can be found in the Idaho Code, particularly in the sections pertaining to education. Local school districts have the authority to develop specific policies and procedures that align with state law. Exclusionary discipline, such as suspension and expulsion, is permitted under Idaho law, but the procedures and grounds for such disciplinary actions are regulated to ensure due process for students. Idaho Code § 33-205 grants school principals the power to suspend students for disciplinary reasons, and school boards have the authority to expel students. As for corporal punishment, Idaho does not have a specific state law that prohibits the use of corporal punishment in schools, which means local school districts have the discretion to allow or prohibit its use within their policies. Federal laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), also impact school discipline by providing additional protections for students with disabilities. Additionally, state and federal criminal laws may be applicable for certain behaviors that occur on school property or during school-sponsored events.