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 Louisiana, school policies and state laws regarding fights or threats of violence on school grounds are primarily governed by the state's Education Code and individual school district policies. These laws and policies outline the procedures and consequences for students who engage in such conduct. Louisiana schools are required to adopt and enforce policies that prohibit bullying and harassment, which can include threats of violence. Additionally, the state has laws that address battery and assault, which can be applied to fights on school grounds, potentially leading to criminal charges for the students involved. Federal laws, such as the Gun-Free Schools Act, also impose certain mandates, such as the requirement for states to have laws in place that require schools to expel for a minimum of one year any student who brings a firearm to school. The specific disciplinary measures and procedures can vary between public schools, private schools, and charter schools, as each type of school may have its own set of policies that align with state law but also reflect the school's individual approach to discipline.