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 Oklahoma, 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 Oklahoma School Security Act requires schools to have policies and procedures in place to address student conduct related to safety and security, including fights and threats of violence. These policies often include disciplinary measures such as suspension or expulsion for serious offenses. Additionally, Oklahoma law mandates that certain acts of violence or threats that occur on school property must be reported to law enforcement. This can lead to criminal charges under state law. Federal laws, such as the Gun-Free Schools Act, also impose requirements on schools to maintain safe environments, which can affect how schools respond to violent incidents. Each public school, private school, and charter school may have its own specific set of rules and disciplinary procedures that align with state law but also reflect the school's individual approach to student discipline.