{"id":354992,"date":"2016-04-04T11:01:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/education\/student-conduct-and-discipline\/student-codes-of-conduct-basic-issues.html"},"modified":"2023-10-05T12:18:53","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T17:18:53","slug":"student-codes-of-conduct-basic-issues","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/student-conduct-and-discipline\/student-codes-of-conduct-basic-issues.html","title":{"rendered":"Student Codes of Conduct: Basic Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Student Codes of Conduct: Basic Issues<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The code of student conduct is a set of guidelines established by the Board of Education. It helps to foster a positive learning environment on and off campus. The code sets out what behavior is expected of students. It outlines sanctions for violating these rules. The code ensures that students understand the consequences of their actions.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides a brief overview of the basics of student codes of conduct.<\/p>\r\n

A Brief Introduction to Student Codes of Conduct<\/h3>\r\n

The classroom is designed to provide students with a structured environment where they can learn. Children, even those generally well-behaved, may try to test the rules for two reasons.<\/p>\r\n

First, they are away from their parents, which makes them feel independent even though a teacher should be watching them. For this reason, some students habitually come to class late or skip class altogether. Second, as children learn to socialize, they seek ways to generate attention. This can include negative attention for being disruptive. For example, the student may tend to talk out of turn or play the class clown.<\/p>\r\n

In years past, schools offered courses in what was known as "civics." Civics courses often taught the importance of integrity, honesty, and respect for others. Civics courses have fallen out of favor for the most part. However, many schools do offer some coursework focusing on understanding values. Nonetheless, there are always students who will break the rules.<\/p>\r\n

Expectations of Student Conduct<\/h3>\r\n

The code generally expects students to treat everyone with respect. Respect is due irrespective of gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, or other protected attributes as outlined in federal law. The federal law that outlines these protections is Title IX<\/a>. Behavior such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, and hazing are severe violations of this code. These offenses may also be criminal under state law or local law.<\/p>\r\n

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is not disruptive to the learning environment. Disorderly conduct, vandalism, and unauthorized use of personal property could result in disciplinary action. Also, students must maintain the academic integrity of their educational programs. Plagiarism and providing false information are considered serious offenses.<\/p>\r\n

By law, illegal drug use, possession, or distribution is strictly forbidden. Alcohol and drug paraphernalia are also not allowed on campus. Such actions could lead to disciplinary proceedings or cause referral to law enforcement, potentially resulting in criminal charges.<\/p>\r\n

Issues Covered in the Student Code of Conduct<\/h2>\r\n

School officials stress that even minor infractions of the code of conduct can signal more behavioral issues. Failure to offer discipline and guidance can lead some students to more violations. Among the less severe types of behavior that violate the code include:<\/p>\r\n