It is the policy of the Seattle School Board that district programs promote and support student access to instruction, while maintaining a welcoming, supportive, safe, and healthy environment. 

Therefore, it is the policy of the Seattle School Board that all students are prohibited from carrying or possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon (as defined by federal and state law and district policy and procedures) on school property, on school-provided transportation, in areas of facilities being used exclusively by public schools, or at school-sponsored events or activities.

RCW 9A.41.280(2) indicates that bringing a dangerous weapon on school property constitutes grounds for expulsion.  In the event a student has brought a dangerous weapon to school but has not used it, the student will at a minimum be temporarily excluded from the school environment while a thorough assessment of the particular situation is completed. The student may be temporarily placed in another environment where they will be able to continue with their school work. This does not apply to a student with a firearm or who uses a weapon to threaten or attack another person.

As stated in RCW 28A.600.420(1), “any elementary or secondary school student who is determined to have carried a firearm onto, or to have possessed a firearm on, public elementary or secondary school premises, public school-provided transportation, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public schools, shall be expelled from school for not less than one year under RCW 28A.600.010.”  If a student is expelled from a school, the district will work with families and agencies to seek to provide if reasonably possible a safe learning environment where the student may continue their education.

RCW 28A.600.420(6) also states that “a school district may suspend or expel a student for up to one year, if the student acts with malice as defined under RCW 9A.04.110 and displays an instrument that appears to be a firearm, on public elementary or secondary school premises, public school-provided transportation, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public schools.” 

Students have the right to appeal their disciplinary action in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Basic Rules of Seattle Public Schools Handbook.

Violations of this policy will be reported annually to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Weapons-Free Zone signs shall be posted in all school facilities. 

The Superintendent is granted the authority to adopt procedures to implement this policy and the requirements of RCW 28A.600.420.