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Littleton Public Schools Policy |
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Policy Code JICI Policy Name Weapons in School Adoption October 5, 1993 Revised June 23, 2011 |
The Board of Education determines that possession and/or use of a weapon by students is detrimental to the welfare and safety of the students and school personnel within the District.
Carrying, bringing, using, or possessing a dangerous weapon in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school-sponsored or District-sponsored activity, or off school property when the conduct has a reasonable connection to school or any District curricular or noncurricular event without the approval of authorized school personnel is prohibited.
As used in this policy, a dangerous weapon is defined as:
A firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, as described in the Gun-Free Schools Act, §20 U.S.C. 7151 or C.R.S. 18-1-901 (3)(h),
Any pellet, BB gun, or other device, whether operational or not, designed to propel projectiles by spring action or compressed air,
A fixed blade knife with a blade that measures longer than three inches in length or a spring loaded knife or a pocket knife with a blade longer than three and one-half inches, or
Any object, device, instrument, material, or substance, whether animate or inanimate, used or intended to be used to inflict death or serious bodily injury, including, but not limited to explosives, slingshot, bludgeon, brass knuckles, or artificial knuckles of any kind.
When a student has violated this policy, the principal shall initiate expulsion proceedings immediately. In accordance with the Gun-Free Schools Act, §20 U.S.C. 7151, expulsion shall be for no less than one full calendar year for a student who is determined to have brought a firearm to school in violation of this policy. The Superintendent or designee may modify, in writing, the length of this federal requirement for expulsion in individual cases. Except for firearms, expulsion shall not be mandatory if a student discovers that he or she has carried, brought, or is in possession of a dangerous weapon, and the student notifies a teacher, administrator, or other authorized District employee and delivers the weapon to that person as soon as possible. The student’s surrender of the weapon shall be considered when determining appropriate disciplinary action, if any.
The District shall maintain records which describe the circumstances involving expulsions of students who bring weapons to school including the name of the school, the number of students expelled, and the types of weapons involved as required by law.
The Superintendent, or designee, may make exceptions to this policy for students participating in an authorized extracurricular activity or team involving the use of firearms or other weapons.
In accordance with applicable law, school personnel shall refer to law enforcement any student who brings a firearm to school without authorization of the school administrator or the District administration.
Firearm Facsimile
Carrying, using, actively displaying or threatening with the use of a firearm facsimile that could reasonably be mistaken for an actual firearm on District property, when being transported in vehicles dispatched by the District or one of its schools, during a school-sponsored or District-sponsored activity or event, and off school property when such conduct has a reasonable connection to school or any District curricular or noncurricular event without the prior authorization of the school administration or District administration is prohibited. Students who violate this policy provision may be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to suspension and/or expulsion.
A student shall seek prior authorization from the building principal to carry, bring, use, or possess a firearm facsimile that could reasonably be mistaken for an actual firearm on school property for purposes of school-related or nonschool-related activity. A student’s failure to obtain such prior authorization is a violation of this policy provision and may result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to suspension or expulsion. The principal’s decision to deny or permit a student to carry, bring, use, or possess a firearm facsimile that could reasonably be mistaken for an actual firearm on school property shall be final.
School administrators shall consider violations of this policy pertaining to firearm facsimiles on a case-by-case basis to determine whether suspension, expulsion, or any other disciplinary action is appropriate based upon the individual facts and circumstances involved.
Legal Reference: 18 U.S.C. 921 (a)(3)
§20 U.S.C. 7151
C.R.S. 22-32-109.1 (2)(a)(VII)
C.R.S. 22-33-106 (1)(d)
Cross Reference: JICDA, Student Code of Conduct
JKD/JKE, Suspension/Expulsion of Students
JKD/JKE-2, Suspension/Expulsion of Students With Disabilities