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 Virginia, school policies and state laws regarding fights or threats of violence on school grounds are primarily governed by the Virginia Code, particularly within the Education section. These laws mandate that public schools have codes of student conduct that prohibit such behavior and outline disciplinary actions, which can range from suspension to expulsion. Additionally, Virginia law requires that certain incidents, such as those involving weapons or serious bodily injury, be reported to law enforcement. The Safe School Initiative is one example of a state-level program designed to prevent violence in schools. Federal laws, such as the Gun-Free Schools Act, also impose requirements on schools to maintain a safe environment. Each school district in Virginia may have its own specific policies that further detail the consequences and procedures for handling fights or threats of violence, and these policies can differ between public, private, and charter schools. Moreover, criminal laws at both the state and federal level may apply if the conduct constitutes a crime, such as assault or making terroristic threats.