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 Virginia, school discipline and punishment are governed by state statutes, which can be found in the Education Code, and are further detailed in the policies and procedures of individual schools. Public schools, private schools, and charter schools may have different regulations and approaches to discipline. Federal laws, such as those ensuring students' civil rights, also play a role in school discipline matters. Exclusionary discipline, including suspension and expulsion, is used in Virginia schools, but the state has specific laws that regulate the process and duration of such disciplinary actions to ensure fairness and due process for students. Corporal punishment, on the other hand, is not permitted in Virginia public schools. The Virginia Code explicitly prohibits the use of corporal punishment in public educational settings. However, private and charter schools may have their own policies regarding discipline, which could differ from public school regulations. Additionally, certain student conduct may fall under state and federal criminal laws if it occurs on school property or during school-sponsored events.