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 Missouri, the regulation of school discipline in the context of fights or threats of violence on school grounds is governed by both state statutes and individual school district policies. Missouri's Safe Schools Act and other relevant provisions in the state's Education Code outline the basic framework for addressing such incidents. These laws mandate that public schools have written discipline codes, which must include policies for reporting and addressing acts of violence. Schools are required to report certain acts of violence to law enforcement and to inform parents of the policies in place. Additionally, Missouri law allows for the suspension or expulsion of students who pose a threat to the safety of others. Federal laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title IX, may also influence school discipline procedures, particularly when they involve students with disabilities or issues of discrimination. Furthermore, 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. Each school district in Missouri may have its own specific policies that further detail the consequences and procedures for handling fights or threats of violence, which can vary between public schools, private schools, and charter schools.