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 New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire state statutes, particularly within the Education Code, provide a framework for school discipline and punishment. Each school district may have its own specific policies and procedures that further detail the consequences and processes for addressing such incidents. Public schools, private schools, and charter schools may have different policies, although all must comply with applicable state and federal laws. Federal laws, such as the Gun-Free Schools Act, impose certain mandates nationwide, such as the requirement for schools to adopt policies that mandate the expulsion of students who bring firearms to school. Additionally, state and federal criminal laws can be invoked when student conduct constitutes a crime, such as assault or making terroristic threats. It is important for students and parents to be aware of the specific policies in place at their respective schools, as these will dictate the immediate response and potential disciplinary actions following incidents of violence or threats.