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 Colorado, the regulation of school discipline in the context of fights or threats of violence is governed by a combination of state statutes, local school district policies, and federal laws. The Colorado Revised Statutes, particularly within the Education Code, provide the legal framework for addressing student conduct and discipline. Each school district in Colorado may have its own specific policies and procedures that further detail how to handle such incidents, which can vary between public schools, private schools, and charter schools. Federal laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title IX, may also influence disciplinary actions if the situation involves students with disabilities or constitutes discrimination or harassment. Additionally, state and federal criminal laws can be applicable for behavior that qualifies as criminal conduct, such as assault or making credible threats of violence. Schools are required to ensure a safe environment for all students and staff, and they typically have zero-tolerance policies for fights and violence, which can lead to suspension, expulsion, or referral to law enforcement depending on the severity of the incident.