NC Laws Related to Violence in Schools
The
North Carolina General Assembly has enacted several laws designed to
address and curtail violence in schools. As you would expect, these laws
are directed at all schools, regardless of grade level. We are not
experiencing unusual problems with violence on school grounds, but need
to be certain that all of our students and parents are aware of the laws
and punishments which may result.
The
following paragraphs summarize pertinent laws and have been established
as Buncombe County Schools and Estes Elementary School policy.
Group III offenses:
#10:
Possession on educational property of, whether openly or concealed, any
BB gun, air rifle, air pistol, bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slingshot,
leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razor and
razor blades, sharp-pointed instrument; will result in misdemeanor
charges being filed with the Sheriff's Office and appropriate school
discipline.
Group V offenses:
It is a
Class I felony for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or
concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol or other firearm or any explosive on
educational property. It is also a Class I felony for any person to
cause, encourage or aid a minor (less than 18 years old) to possess or
carry, whether openly or concealed, these firearms or any explosive on
educational property.
#8: When
a principal has a reasonable belief that an act has occurred on school
property involving assault resulting in serious personal injury, sexual
assault, sexual offense, rape, kidnapping, indecent liberties with a
minor, assault involving the use of a weapon, possession of a firearm in
violation of the law, or possession of a controlled substance in
violation of the law, the principal must immediately report the act to
the appropriate local law enforcement agency. Appropriate school
punishment will also apply.
FIGHTING
is considered assault under the laws and will be reported to the
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office for investigation. Appropriate school
discipline will also apply.
NOTE:
Educational property includes any public or private school building or
bus, public or private school campus, grounds, recreational area,
athletic field, or property owned, used or operated by any Board of
Education or school.
Estes has a Safe School Policy as part of our School Improvement Plan that includes strategies to insure a safe environment.