DISRUPTION OF AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

Did you know that there is a law in Arizona that makes it illegal to seriously interfere with or disrupt a school? This can mean a lot of different things, as you will see in the full text of the law. Basically, any act by a person that might lead to school being evacuated, closed, or cancelled is considered a violation of the law.

WHO DOES THIS LAW APPLY TO?

This law applies to everyone. Any person (including students, teachers, staff, strangers, etc.) who interferes with or disrupts school breaks this law.

WHAT DOES INTERFERENCE WITH OR DISRUPTION OF SCOHOL ACTUALLY MEAN?

The law says that interference with or disruption of school includes any act that might lead to school being evacuated, closed, or cancelled.

The law says that this kind of act could be:

• Threatening to hurt someone,
• Threatening to cause damage,
• Trying to disrupt school on purpose, or
• Refusing to obey a lawful order, like from a police officer.

WHAT HAPPENS TO SOMEONE WHO BREAKS THIS LAW?

First, the law says that the school can ask whoever is breaking the law to leave.

Second, if the person who is breaking the law happens to be a student, faculty member, or staff member, the law says that the school can take disciplinary action. This could include being suspended or expelled from school.

Finally, depending on the kind of act, the person who broke the law can be charged with a crime. Ranging from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony, this is a serious matter than can carry serious punishment, like time in jail or expensive fines.

 

Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.