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 Maine, the handling of fights or threats of violence on school grounds is governed by state statutes, local school district policies, and applicable federal laws. Maine's statutes within the Education Code outline the general framework for school discipline, including the consequences for violent behavior or threats. Each school district in Maine may have its own specific policies that detail the procedures for responding to such incidents, which can vary between public, private, and charter schools. Federal laws, such as the Gun-Free Schools Act, may impose additional requirements on how schools manage certain types of violent behavior. Moreover, state and federal criminal laws can apply to student conduct that qualifies as criminal behavior, whether it occurs on school property or during school-sponsored events. Schools in Maine are required to provide a safe learning environment, and this includes having clear policies for addressing and preventing violence.