Why is using recovery mode without permission of the computer's organization a crime?

On the recovery mode page (Recovery Mode | Chrultrabook Docs), it says “Do not continue if your device is currently owned or enrolled by a organization, such as a school or employer. Unless you were given permission by your organization, its a crime.” What crime is this, and why is it a crime?

I would say that is a pretty regional statement. This is likely not a crime but a break with some contract you may have made with the people that lended you the laptop

the USA has some pretty broad and draconian laws surrounding “hacking” and if someone wanted to make your life miserable they have the tools to do it.

That said, modifying property you don’t own can get you in all sorts of trouble, especially from schools who have legal requirements to prevent students from accessing certain types of content.

TLDR, if it’s not legally yours, don’t mess with it.