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 Washington State, school policies and state laws regarding fights or threats of violence on school grounds are primarily governed by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), particularly in the Education Code. Each school district in Washington has the authority to establish its own policies and procedures for handling school discipline, which must comply with state laws. These policies cover a range of behaviors, including fights and threats of violence, and outline the consequences for such actions, which may include suspension or expulsion. Federal laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title IX, may also influence school discipline procedures, especially when they involve students with disabilities or issues of discrimination. Additionally, certain student behaviors that constitute criminal acts, such as assault, can be subject to state and federal criminal laws and may be handled by law enforcement in addition to school disciplinary measures.