Possession and/or Use of Weapons
- Discipline Policies
Possession and/or Use of Weapons
OSSD BOT Policy JCDAE - Weapons
Any student who possesses a knife, handgun, other firearm or any other instrument, including ammunition, considered to be dangerous and capable of causing bodily harm or who commits a violent act on educational property as defined in MS Code § 97-37-17, may be subject to automatic expulsion or placement at the alternative education center for up to a calendar year by the Superintendent or principal of the school in which the student is enrolled; provided, however, that the Superintendent shall be authorized to modify the period of time for such expulsion on a case by case basis. Such expulsion shall take effect immediately subject to the constitutional rights of due process, which shall include the student's right to appeal to the OSSD BOT (MS Code § 37-11-18) under policy JCAA - Due Process.
The principal shall suspend the student out of school for a period of up to ten (10) days and shall recommend the student for expulsion.
Any disciplinary action administered in accordance herewith shall be subject to the requirements of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
For purposes of this policy and as defined in MS Code § 97-37-17.
- "Weapon" shall mean any device enumerated in subsection (2) or (4) of that section.
- "Educational property" shall include any public or private school buildings or bus, public or private school campus, grounds, recreational areas, athletic fields, or other property owned, used or operated by any local school board, school, college or university board of trustees, or directors for the administration of any public or private educational institution or during a school-related activity.
This policy applies to the following:
- OSSD gymnasiums, restrooms, and bus stops.
- Off site school sponsored events (such as graduation, awards, banquets, etc).
- Any school sponsored activity.
- Travel to and from school.
- Attendance at and travel by students to participate in athletic programs, extracurricular activities, clubs, ceremonies, contests, field trips, competitions, etc.
- Violations of this policy while on the campus of another institution while a student may be present for purposes of participating in athletic programs, extracurricular activities, clubs, ceremonies, contests, field trips, competitions, etc.
The BOT recognizes the fact that students are allowed to drive automobiles to school and the BOT considers this to be a privilege. Students shall be notified that each student shall be responsible for the contents of the vehicle driven to school. Students shall be further advised of the responsibility to inspect their vehicles each day prior to entering the campus. A student shall be disciplined in accordance herewith for any weapon which is in the student's vehicle and which should have been discovered upon inspection of the vehicle. The student handbook shall be supplemented so as to include notice in accordance herewith.
Weapons are allowed to be on school properties under the following circumstances:
- Law enforcement officers and other government officials may carry weapons onto school grounds as permitted by law.
- Those used within the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program in conducting training when such training is a normal element of such programs; such programs may include training in the use of pneumatic guns. Such training shall occur only at a location or locations approved by the Superintendent;
- MHSAA sanctioned or school board approved activities (ex. Archery or Shooting Sports);
- Replica firearms by a ceremonial color guard; and
- Approved safety classes. This approval must be in writing and granted prior to the weapon being brought to school.
Pursuant to MS Code § 37-11-29, the OSSD Superintendent or his/her designee shall immediately report violations of this policy to the appropriate local law enforcement agency.
For more information, see OSSD BOT Policy JCDAE - Weapons.
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