5131.21 5131.21Students
Threats of Violence by Students
The Board of Education finds that threats of violence are disruptive of, and incompatible with, the maintenance of an appropriate educational atmosphere in schools. The Board therefore adopts this policy regarding threats of violence by students.
1. Threats of Violence Prohibited: Threats of violence toward other students, school staff members, or school facilities generally are prohibited and may result in suspension or expulsion, regardless of whether the student has engaged in such conduct previously.
2. Mandatory Reporting: All employees and students are required to report evidence of threats of violence to their building Principal, or to the Superintendent. Such reports shall be investigated by the building Principal or his/her designee.
3. Documentation: All such reports shall be documented by the Superintendent or his/her designee, and, in regard to any that are regarded as not sufficiently credible to warrant investigation, all reasons and bases for such conclusion shall be stated in the documentation.
4. Reports to Law Enforcement Authorities: In cases of threats that may constitute a violation of the criminal law, the Superintendent shall notify law enforcement authorities.
5. Procedure; Sanctions: Students who are charged with violations of this policy may be placed on in-school suspension pending investigation of the charge. In the event the charge is substantiated, discipline, including suspension or expulsion will be provided.
6. Conditions for Return from Suspension; Documentation: As a condition or conditions of a student's return from suspension or expulsion for a violation of this policy, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall consider, and may impose, the following, individually or in any combination, as well as other conditions deemed necessary or appropriate:
a. That the parent of such student shall provide a documented opinion by a licensed professional that the student does not represent a threat of harm to himself/herself or to others, and, for a period to be determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee, that the parents provide regular documented updates of such opinion.
b. That the parent of such student agree that, for a period to be determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee, a parent shall check the student for weapons at home, and shall accompany the student to the school office upon arrival at school at the beginning of each school day, at which time the student shall be searched for weapons or other contraband by school personnel;
c. That the parent of such student agree that, for a period to be determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee, the student shall be prohibited from leaving campus during the school day, and that during any non-class time, the student shall remain in a monitored, segregated environment;
d. That the parent of such student agree that, for a period to be determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee, the student shall be transported home from school by the parent at the end of the school day;
e. That the parent agree that for a period to be determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee, the student shall not be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activities, or school functions except classroom instruction during the school day; and
f. That the parent agree that, for a period to be determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee, the student will not be permitted to enter or be present on school premises except during the regular school day, and that the parent will enforce such prohibition by appropriate means.
g. In permitting a student to return to school from a short term or long term suspension, conditions imposed by the Superintendent or his/her designee, including those set forth in this subparagraph, shall by incorporated into a written agreement to be signed by the parents or parent of the student in question.
h. In permitting a student to return to school from a suspension or expulsion, the Superintendent or his or her designee shall document the reasons and bases for permitting such return, and such documentation shall include reasons and bases for imposing or not imposing the conditions set forth in this subparagraph.
7. Special Education Students: Similar matters with students receiving special education services shall be addressed under the specific procedures applicable to such students according to state and federal law.
(cf. 5114 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process)
(cf. 5131.7 - Weapons and Dangerous Instruments)
(cf. 5141.5 - Crisis Management)
(cf. 5142 - School Safety)
(cf. 5144.2 - Use of Physical Force)
(cf. 5144.3 - Discipline of Students with Disabilities)
(cf. 5145.12 - Search and Seizure)
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
4-176e through 4-180a. Contested Cases. Notice. Record.
10-233a through 10-233f. Suspension, removal and expulsion of students, as amended by PA 95 304 and PA 96 244.
53a-3 Definitions.
53a-217b Possession of Firearms and Deadly Weapons on School Grounds.
PA 94 221 An Act Concerning School Discipline and Safety.
GOALS 2000: Educate America Act, Pub. L. 103 227.
18 U.S.C. 921 Definitions.
Title III Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Sec. 314 (Local Control Over Violence)
Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 as amended by the Gun Free Schools Act of 1994
P.L. 105 17 The Individuals with Disabilities Act, Amendment of 1997.
Policy adopted: