5772 - WEAPONS
- Pursuant to State law, the Board prohibits students from openly carrying a handgun or carrying a concealed weapon or firearm, in any school safety zone, elementary and/or secondary school, alternative learning center, adult education center, administration building, Board meeting, and in any setting that is under the control and supervision of the District for the purpose of school activities approved and authorized by the District including, but not limited to, property leased, owned, or contracted for by the District, a school-sponsored event, or in a District vehicle. This section applies to all vehicles being driven by students. Students of any age are prohibited from carrying or storing a firearm/weapon within a private motor vehicle at any time on any of the above-listed locations and/or events.
- Weapons and firearms are defined in F.S. 790.001 and include, but are not limited to, firearms, guns of any type, knives, razors, clubs, electric weapons, metallic knuckles, martial arts weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
- For purposes of this policy, the term “weapon” also means any object which, in the manner in which it is used, is intended to be used, or is represented, is capable of inflicting serious bodily harm or property damage, as well as endangering the health and safety of persons.
- This policy shall also encompass such actions as look-alike items, false fire alarms, bomb threats, or intentional calls to falsely report a dangerous condition.
- The Superintendent is authorized to establish administrative procedures on weapons which require students to immediately report knowledge of weapons and threats of violence by students and staff to the building principal. Failure to report such knowledge may subject the student to immediate suspension and potential expulsion from school.
- Exceptions to the Board's prohibition from openly carrying a handgun or carrying a concealed weapon or firearm in any school safety zone, elementary and/or secondary school, alternative learning center, adult education center, administration building, Board meeting, and in any setting that is under the control and supervision of the District for the purpose of school activities approved and authorized by the District including, but not limited to, property leased, owned, or contracted for by the District, any school-sponsored event, or in a District vehicle include the following:
- Members of the Armed Forces, National Guard, police, or other licensed law enforcement officers, as well as students enrolled in the District's Junior ROTC Program while under the direct supervision of District staff members, may possess a firearm or weapon.
- Items pre-approved by the Principal or site administrator as part of a class or individual presentation or a theatrical prop used under adult supervision, if used for the purpose and in the manner approved, would be an exception to this policy. (Working firearms and any ammunition will never be approved as part of a presentation.
- School Resource Officers (SROs) assigned to a school are authorized to possess and store law enforcement agency department-issued long guns on property owned or operated by the Board. The Superintendent shall establish administrative procedures for this exception which will be confidential and exempt under F.S. 281.301 and 119.071. All SROs are required to be in compliance with their agency’s policies and procedures regarding weapons.
- Students are expressly prohibited from having firearms within the interior of a private motor vehicle. Through this policy, the Board intentionally declines to waive the exception contained in F.S. 790.115(2).
- The Superintendent will refer any student who violates this policy to the student's parents/legal guardians and to the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system. The student may also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.
- Safe Harbor Provision
- A student may voluntarily surrender an item that is prohibited under the Brevard Public Schools Code of Student Conduct to a school administrator or school personnel, provided the student has not already gone through the school’s Open Gate system, the use of any type of hand held metal detection device has not occurred, or any other type of investigation related to the item has already begun. This provision does not apply to weapons, firearms or explosives, as defined in Florida Statute Chapter 790.01 (20).
- The Safe Harbor provision does not prevent school officials from contacting law enforcement when required for certain offenses, including but not limited to firearms, controlled substances, or explosive devices.
Revised 3/25/03
Revised 4/27/10
Revised 12/12/17
Revised 10/9/18
Reviewed 4/25/23
Revised 5/12/26
© Neola 2014