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 Florida, the handling of fights or threats of violence on school grounds is governed by a combination of state statutes, local school district policies, and federal laws. The Florida Education Code contains provisions that address school discipline and punishment, including the Zero Tolerance for School Related Violent Crime policy, which mandates that any student found to have committed certain serious offenses, such as making threats or engaging in violence, be recommended for expulsion. Each school district in Florida may have additional policies that further detail the consequences and procedures for dealing with fights or threats of violence. Public schools, private schools, and charter schools may have varying policies based on their individual governing bodies, but all must adhere to state laws. Federal laws, such as the Gun-Free Schools Act, also impose certain requirements on schools to maintain safe environments. Additionally, state and federal criminal laws can be applied to student conduct that constitutes a crime, whether it occurs on school property or during school-sponsored events.