Can a student defend themselves from physical harm?

i'm from Texas and would like to know if a student has the right to defend themselves from physical harm from another student. due to Texas' zero tolerance rule in reference to fighting, i'm being told it basically doesn't matter who instigated or initiated the fight. regardless of why the fight occurred both students receive the exact same punishment. so does that mean if a student pulls out a weapon, one should do nothing and hope they are not severely wounded? What are my rights in this type of situation?

Check your school's student handbook.

I believe you'll see the logic in both parties being punished -- otherwise, they spend hours on he-said she-said and never really know the story. Does that rule create unfairness? Yes.

Is it legal? Yes.