5131.7 - Weapons and Dangerous Instruments

5131.7

Students

Weapons and Dangerous Instruments

The Board of Education is concerned for the safety and welfare of all students and school personnel in school and at school sponsored activities. For this reason the Board prohibits student possession and/or use of weapons, including martial arts weapons, or other dangerous instruments in any school building, on school grounds, in any vehicle on school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity. Possession and/or use of any dangerous or deadly weapon, firearm, or destructive device in any school building on school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity is prohibited.

Such weapons include but are not limited to any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, air gun or spring gun; slingshot; bludgeon; brass knuckles or artificial knuckles of any kind; knives having a blade of greater than two inches, any knife the blades of which can be opened by a flick of a button or pressure on the handle, or any pocketknife where the blade is carried in a partially opened position; martial arts weapon; destructive device.

Pursuant to federal law, the term firearm includes, but is not limited to, any weapon designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such weapon, or destructive device. A student who violates this policy will be reported to law enforcement authorities.

A “destructive device” is considered any device with an explosive, incendiary or poison gas component or any combination of parts either designed or intended for us in converting any device into any destructive device or from which a destructive device may be readily assembled. A destructive device does not include any device which is designed primarily for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line-throwing, safety, or similar device.

The possession or use of any such weapon or devices by a student in school or at school sponsored activities off school grounds is cause for expulsion of the student for a calendar year if such conduct violates publicized Board policy or is seriously disruptive of the educational process. The period of expulsion may be modified by the Board or hearing panel on a case by case basis. To comply with federal law, any finding of an exception shall be reduced to writing. All legal restrictions and requirements will be adhered to pertaining to special education students. Students in violation of this policy will be reported to law enforcement authorities. A student’s conduct off school grounds at a non-school activity that is seriously disruptive of the educational process and violative of the Board’s publicized policies may also be grounds for expulsion.

Weapons under the control of law enforcement personnel are permitted.

(cf. 5114 - Suspension/Expulsion of Students)

(cf. 5145.12 - Search and Seizure)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-221 Boards of Education to prescribe rules

l0-233a through 10-233f - Expulsion as amended by PA 95-304

53a-3 Definitions

53a-217b - Possession of firearms and deadly weapons on school grounds

53-206 Carrying and sale of dangerous weapons

PA 94-221 An Act Concerning School Discipline and Safety

Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, 18 U.S.C. §§ 921(a))25)-(26), 922(q)

(2006)

GOALS 2000: Educate America Act

18 U.S.C. 921 Definitions

USCA 7151 - No Child Left Behind Act

Youth Handgun Safety Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(x), 924(a)(6) (2006)

Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, 20 U.S.C. §§ 7101-7117

Policy adopted: March 28, 2013 WINDSOR LOCKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Revised: March 24, 2016 Windsor Locks, Connecticut