School policies and state laws regarding fights or threats of violence on school grounds 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.

In Arkansas, the regulation of school discipline in the context of fights or threats of violence on school grounds is governed by both state statutes and individual school district policies. The Arkansas Education Code and other relevant state laws outline the general framework for how public schools should handle disciplinary issues, including violence or threats of violence. These laws mandate that public schools adopt policies that prohibit bullying and require reporting and addressing violent incidents. Additionally, the Arkansas Criminal Code may apply to student conduct that constitutes criminal behavior, such as assault or making terroristic threats. Federal laws, such as the Gun-Free Schools Act, also impose certain requirements on schools, including the mandate for a one-year expulsion for students who bring a firearm to school. Each public, private, and charter school may have its own specific policies and procedures that further detail the consequences and processes for dealing with fights or threats of violence, which must be in compliance with state and federal regulations. It is important for students and parents to be familiar with the specific policies of their school district or individual school.