It wasn't my fault…I got jumped and just defended myself.

You receive this text from your teenager, and before you can respond to the text, your phone starts ringing. The school is calling to inform you that your child has been involved in a fight and wants you to come to campus immediately.

Suppose your child was defending someone else or finally had enough of a relentless bully. Those are arguably good reasons to square up with a nemesis. Complicating this situation may be a student code of conduct, which includes a zero-tolerance policy for physical alterations on campus.

How do zero-tolerance policies factor in, and can your child still get in trouble if there is a good reason? This article offers insights into navigating an increasingly common situation.

Self-Defense and Defense of Others: What Does the Law Say?

In most jurisdictions, self-defense and the defense of others are recognized as valid defenses for participating in a physical altercation. However, school policies may not align with these legal concepts.

Also, in some jurisdictions, even recording a school altercation can be grounds for disciplinary action. Still, knowing what to do if your child is involved in an on-campus fight and is facing disciplinary action is essential.

Zero-Tolerance Policies: A Double-Edged Sword

Zero-tolerance policies are standard in school districts across the country. These policies intend to enforce strict consequences for any form of violence, regardless of the context. After all, these policies hope to eliminate the unequal application of punishments on students and take a tough stance against violence, which can quickly escalate. Arguably, these rules serve as a deterrent in hopes of fostering a safe learning environment. Still, they can sometimes lead to unjust punishment, like in situations where a student acted in self-defense or in defense of another.

Can Your Child Get in Trouble Anyway?

Unfortunately, even with a valid reason for the altercation, your child could face disciplinary actions due to the school's strict adherence to zero-tolerance policies. Potential consequences may include suspension, expulsion, or even legal charges, depending on the severity of the incident.

How to Protect Your Child's Rights and Interests

If your child is involved in a situation like this, taking the following steps can help protect their rights:

• Collect Evidence: Gather all available evidence, including eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and other relevant information.
• Understand School Policies: Carefully review your school's zero-tolerance policy and other related guidelines to know what you're up against.
• Resist the Temptation to Communicate Openly with School Officials: Your instinct may be to work cooperatively with school administrators by providing them with evidence and information, but doing so may not be your child's best interest.
• Engage a Legal Advocate: Consulting with the Lento Law Firm, who can help navigate the legal complexities and advocate for your child's best interests.

Conclusion

The interplay of self-defense laws, zero-tolerance policies, and school rules can create a confusing and challenging situation. Parents must understand the specific guidelines in their child's school. Engaging a team of education law advocates with experience in school law can help you interpret these policies, build a strong defense should the need arise, and anticipate how they might affect your child. More importantly, they can ensure that your child's rights are protected and a fair outcome is reached.

Is your child facing a school-related issue? Don't let their educational progress be compromised. Engage with the National Education Lawyers at the Lento Law Firm, your trusted partners, in navigating the intricate realm of education law. Contact the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today at (888) 535-3686 or schedule a consultation online.