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608

Weapons

The Board of Education believes firearms, other weapons, other dangerous objects and look-a-like weapons on District property or at school-sponsored activities cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment, and present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors. Firearms, other weapons, other dangerous objects, and look-a-like weapons are prohibited on District property and at school-sponsored activities.

Any object which could be used to injure or threaten another person and which has no school-related purpose may be considered a weapon. This includes specifically, but is not limited to, firearms of all types, knives of all types, fireworks, metal pipes, metal knuckles, and explosives. The term “firearm” includes, but is not limited to, any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon, any explosive, incendiary or poison gas, or otherwise defined by applicable law. An object that serves as a facsimile of a weapon may be considered a weapon in the enforcement of this policy. An object that has a school-related purpose but is used to threaten or inflict injury may also be considered a weapon.

Weapons shall be confiscated from persons who bring them onto District property or to school-sponsored activities. The parents/guardians of a student shall be notified if a student is found in possession of a weapon, or is responsible for bringing a weapon, onto District property or to school-sponsored activities. Possession or confiscation of weapons or dangerous objects will be reported to law enforcement officials. The student will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

A student bringing a firearm onto District property or to a school-sponsored activity, or knowingly possessing a firearm on District property or at a school-sponsored activity shall be expelled for not less than one year and the student will be referred to law enforcement authorities. However, the Superintendent shall have the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified on a case-by-case basis.

Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials shall be exempt from this policy. The appropriate administrator may allow authorized persons to display weapons, unloaded firearms, or other dangerous objects for educational purposes.

 

Legal Reference:
18 U.S.C. § 921.
McClain v. Lafayette County Bd. of Education, 673 F.2d 106 (5th Cir. 1982).
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21B; 724
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

  • Approved: 12-11-95
  • Reviewed: 07-15-96
  • Revised: 01-25-99, 12-11-06, 12-10-12, 12-12-16
  • Documents: 608
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