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 Oklahoma, school discipline and punishment are governed by state statutes, which can be found in the state's Education Code, and are further detailed in the policies and procedures of individual school districts. Public schools, private schools, and charter schools may have different regulations, but all must comply with applicable federal laws. Exclusionary discipline, such as suspension and expulsion, is used to remove a student from their regular educational setting as a consequence of certain behaviors. Oklahoma law allows for these disciplinary actions under specific circumstances and with procedural safeguards to ensure fairness and due process. Corporal punishment is legal in Oklahoma and is regulated by state law. Oklahoma statute Title 70, Section 24-101.3 allows for corporal punishment in schools unless a parent or guardian has provided a written statement opposing it. However, this practice is subject to ongoing debate and scrutiny, and schools must adhere to any restrictions or guidelines set forth by their local school boards. Additionally, state and federal criminal laws may be invoked for student conduct that constitutes a crime, whether it occurs on school property or during school-sponsored events.