BP 5131.7 — Weapons and Dangerous Instruments

Section: 5000 - Students
Status: Active

Adopted: 2017-11-14

Revised: 2023-08-17

Policy text

WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS

The Governing Board recognizes that students and staff have the right to a safe and secure campus free from physical and psychological harm and desires to protect them from the dangers presented by firearms and other weapons.

Possession of Weapons

The Board prohibits any student from possessing weapons, imitation firearms, or other dangerous instruments, as defined in law and administrative regulation, in school buildings, on school grounds, when using district provided transportation, at school-related or school-sponsored activities away from school, or while going to or coming from school.

If a student is in possession of a prohibited weapon, imitation firearm, or dangerous instrument that creates a threat or perceived threat of a homicidal act, any employee or other school official who is alerted to or observes such threat shall immediately report the threat to law enforcement.

Under the power granted to the Board to protect the safety of students, staff, and others on district property and to maintain order and discipline in the schools, any school employee is authorized to confiscate any prohibited weapon, imitation firearm, or dangerous instrument from any student on school grounds.

Unless a student has obtained prior written permission as specified below, a student possessing or threatening others with any weapon, dangerous instrument, or imitation firearm shall be subject to suspension and/or expulsion in accordance with law, Board policy, and administrative regulations.

The principal or designee shall notify law enforcement authorities when any student possesses a firearm, explosive, or other prohibited weapon or dangerous instrument without permission, sells or furnishes a firearm, or commits any act of assault with a firearm or other weapon.

Advance Permission for Possession of a Weapon for Educational Purposes

The parent/guardian of a student who desires to possess a firearm, imitation firearm, or other prohibited weapon on school grounds for an educational purpose shall, at least five school days in advance of the planned possession, submit a written request to the principal which explains the planned use of the weapon and the duration. The student shall also submit a written explanation from the staff person responsible for the school-sponsored activity or class.

The principal may grant permission for such possession when they determine that it is necessary for a school-sponsored activity or class or as part of the educational program. Factors that shall be considered include, but are not limited to, the planned use of the weapon, the duration and location of the planned use, whether an audience is expected, and any perceived adverse effects to the safety and well-being of students or staff. If the principal grants such permission, they shall provide the student and staff person with a written explanation regarding any limitations and the permissible duration of the student’s possession.

When the principal or designee grants permission, they shall take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all persons on school grounds, including, but not limited to, inspecting a firearm to verify that no live ammunition is present. Any weapon allowed shall be stored in a locked vehicle or in an appropriate, locked container before and after its authorized use.

Any student granted permission to possess a weapon may be suspended and/or expelled if the student possesses or uses the weapon inappropriately.

Possession of Pepper Spray

To prevent potential misuse that may harm students or staff, students are prohibited from carrying tear gas or tear gas weapons such as pepper spray on campus or at school activities.

Reporting of Dangerous Objects

The Board encourages students to promptly report the presence of weapons, injurious objects, or other suspicious activity to school authorities. The identity of a student who reports such activity shall remain confidential to the extent permitted by law.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop strategies designed to facilitate student reporting of the presence of injurious objects on school grounds, such as tip hotlines, electronic transmissions, or other methods that preserve the student’s anonymity. Incident reports and records shall not identify the student who reported the possession. The Superintendent or designee also shall inform staff, students, and parents/guardians that students who report the presence of injurious objects on school campuses are to be protected and their identity shielded.