Can schools impose discipline on students for misconduct committed off campus?

YES, schools can impose disciplinary measures for misconduct that students commit outside of the campus. This mandate can be found in no less than the 1987 Constitution, which provides that they shall "teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and personal discipline."

The Family Code also provides that the school, its administrators and teachers, or any individual, entity or institution engaged in child care shall have special parental authority and responsibility over minor children while under their supervision, instruction or custody. It further provides that such authority and responsibility shall apply to all authorized activities, whether inside or outside the school premises. This is pursuant to the principle of in loco parentis, where teachers and school administrators assume the responsibility of parents with respect to the minor and unemancipated children under their care. Such authority includes the duty to impose discipline on them as may be required under the circumstances.

THE LEGAL MIND