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 Rhode Island, school discipline and punishment are governed by state statutes within the Education Code and are further detailed in the policies and procedures of individual schools. Rhode Island law prohibits corporal punishment in public schools, aligning with the state's commitment to non-violent disciplinary practices. Exclusionary discipline, such as suspension and expulsion, is permitted under certain conditions, but schools are encouraged to use these measures as a last resort and to follow due process. The Rhode Island Board of Education has established regulations that require schools to adopt a code of conduct that includes procedures for suspension and expulsion, ensuring that any disciplinary actions are conducted fairly and legally. Additionally, federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title IX may influence disciplinary procedures, particularly for students with disabilities or in cases involving discrimination or harassment. State and federal criminal laws may also apply to student conduct that constitutes a crime, whether it occurs on school property or during school-sponsored events.