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 Kansas, the regulation of school discipline in the context of fights or threats of violence on school grounds is governed by both state statutes and the policies of individual school districts. The Kansas State Department of Education provides guidelines, but each public, private, and charter school may have its own specific policies and procedures. State laws concerning school discipline can be found in the Kansas Statutes Annotated, particularly within the Education Code. These laws address various forms of student misconduct and the corresponding disciplinary measures that schools can take. Federal laws, such as those ensuring students' civil rights, also play a role in how schools manage discipline. Additionally, certain behaviors may fall under state and federal criminal laws, especially if the conduct constitutes a criminal offense. Schools are required to ensure a safe environment for all students, and this includes having policies in place to address fights and threats of violence. Disciplinary actions can range from suspension and expulsion to involvement of law enforcement, depending on the severity of the incident.