Weapons and Explosives Prohibited Policy 5027/7275

1. Purpose

To provide a safe, accessible, and positive educational environment that is free from weapons and explosives, in strict compliance with North Carolina law, federal requirements (including the Gun-Free Schools Act and the ADA), and NCDPI guidance.

2. Definitions

• Weapons: Any firearm (including guns, rifles, pistols), BB gun, air gun, stun gun, bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slingshot, switchblade, leaded cane, blackjacks, metallic knuckles, razors (except those solely for shaving), or other devices intended for or capable of inflicting serious harm,  This includes any sharp-pointed or edged instrument except for unaltered nail files/clips and tools used solely for food preparation, instruction, or maintenance.  Personal defense sprays (e.g., pepper spray, mace) are considered.
• Explosive: Any device or material capable of causing an explosion, including but not limited to dynamite, bombs, grenades, blasting caps, mines, powders, fireworks, or other powerful explosive substances as defined in G.S. 14-2841.1 and federal statutes.
• School Property: Any ENCSD building, bus, campus, recreational area, athletic field, or other property owned, used, or operated by the school, including sites of curricular or extracurricular activities.

3. Prohibition

• All weapons are prohibited on school property, including firearms with a permit, at any school-sponsored event (curricular or extracurricular).
• Simulated weapons, look-alike explosives, or items intended to cause a disturbance or alarm are also prohibited. 
• Any knowledge or suspicion of a weapon or explosive on campus should be reported immediately to school administration or law enforcement as required by law.

4. Exclusions

• This policy does not prohibit the lawful possession of an assistive device required by student’s IEP plan, unless the device is a weapon or explosive.
• Temporary exceptions for instructional purposes (e.g., tool for a supervised class project) may be granted only with the written approval of the Principal and must be in strict compliance with all safety protocols, under direct adult supervision.
• This policy does not interfere with law enforcement officers acting in an official capacity.

5. ADA Considerations

• For the safety and equitable treatment of all deaf and hard of hearing students, all emergency warnings related to weapons or explosives will include visual alarms (text messages) as required by ADA and Section 504 (ADAAG § 4.1.3(14), §4.28)
• Any disciplinary process will include accessible communication methods (e.g., interpreters, captioning, plain-language notices) to ensure that students and families with hearing loss fully understand proceedings and their rights under the law.
• Accommodations will never require or allow possession or simulation of weapons or explosives for any student.

6. Consequences

• Any person in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion for students, or termination/dismissal for employees, as well as referral to law enforcement as require by the Gun-Free Schools Act and North Carolina statutes.
• Confiscation of the weapon or explosive and immediate removal from campus will occur.

7. Notification, Training, and Review

• This policy will be distributed annually; staff and students will receive training regarding prohibited items, emergency procedures accessible to all, and reporting requirements in accordance with ADA effective communication standards.
• The policy will be reviewed yearly by ENCSD administration for continued alignment with legal requirements and best practices.

8. Legal References

• North Carolina General Statutes §§ 14-269.2, 14-284.1
• Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. § 7151
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 28 CFR § 35.151, § 35.164
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Guidance