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 Pennsylvania, 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. Exclusionary discipline, such as suspension and expulsion, is used in Pennsylvania schools, but the specific grounds and procedures for these actions are outlined in the Pennsylvania School Code and the respective school district's policies. It is important to note that due process rights must be observed in disciplinary actions that significantly affect a student's right to education. As for corporal punishment, it is not banned statewide in Pennsylvania; however, many school districts have policies that prohibit its use. The state allows local education agencies to develop their own discipline policies, which must comply with state law. 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.