Weapons, Bomb Threats, Terrorist Threats, and Clear Threats to Safety Policy 4333

Weapons, Bomb Threats, Terrorist Threats, and Clear Threats to Safety Policy 4333

Purpose

The Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf (ENCSD) is committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and orderly educational and residential environment.  This policy establishes prohibitions and response procedures related to weapons, bomb threats, terrorist threats, and other clear threats to safety in order to protect students, staff, and visitors.

As a residential K-12 school, ENCSD recognizes its heightened responsibility to respond promptly, clearly, and accessibly to threats that may impact both instructional and residential settings.

I. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

  • Weapon: Any object, device, or substance used or intended to be used to cause serious bodily injury or death, including firearms, knives, explosives, incendiary devices, and other items defined as weapons under law or school policy.
  • Bomb Threat: Any communication or action indicating that an explosive device has been placed or will be placed on ENCSD property or at a school-related activity.
  • Terrorist Threat: A threat to commit violence or an act intended to cause widespread fear, serious harm, or disruption to school operations or public safety.
  • Clear Threat to Safety: Any behavior, communication, or action that reasonably indicates a risk of serious harm to students, staff, or others.

 

 

II. Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct is strictly prohibited on ENCSD property, in school vehicles, at school-sponsored events, or within residential facilities:

  • Possession, use, or distribution of weapons
  • Making bomb threats or terrorist threats, whether real or false
  • Engaging in conduct that constitutes a clear threat to safety
  • Assisting, encouraging, or conspiring with others to commit any of the above acts

III. Reporting Requirements

  1. Immediate Reporting
    1. Any student, employee, or visitor who becomes aware of a weapon, threat, or clear danger shall immediately report the information to school administration or appropriate authorities.
  2. Staff Responsibility,
    1. Employees shall follow established emergency and safety protocols and shall not attempt to investigate threats independently.

IV. Response Procedures

ENCSD shall respond promptly and appropriately to all threats, which may include:

  • Activation of emergency response procedures
  • Notification of law enforcement and emergency services
  • Evacuation, lockdown, or other protective actions
  • Communication with students, staff, and families in accessible formats
  • Temporary suspension of activities or residential operations as necessary

V. Disciplinary Consequences

Students who violate this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action consistent with ENCSD policies, due process requirements, and applicable law.  Consequences may include suspension, reassignment, or expulsion, as permitted by law.

VI. Residential Program Considerations

Given ENCSD’s residential setting:

  • Threat response plans shall address both instructional and residential environments.
  • Residential supervision and movement protocols may be modified to ensure safety.
  • Decisions shall prioritize safety while respecting student rights and confidentiality.

VII. Coordination with Agencies

ENCSD shall cooperate with law enforcement, emergency management, mental health providers, and other appropriate agencies in responding to threats and ensuring ongoing safety.

VIII. Prohibited Retaliation

Retaliation against any individual who reports a concern or participates in an investigation under this policy is prohibited and shall be addressed in accordance with ENCSD policies.

XI. Implementation and Training

ENCSD shall ensure that administrators, instructional staff, residential staff, and support personnel on threat recognition, reporting procedures, emergency response, and communication accessibility.

Legal References

  • Gun-Free Schools Act, 20 U.S.C. § 7961
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g
  • North Carolina General Statutes §§ 14-269, 14-288.20, 115C
  • North Carolina State Board of Education Policies
  • North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Guidance
Policy