1. PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE
   The purpose of this policy is to define the use of, and the ability to carry, dangerous weapons and firearms on school premises and other District buildings or property. 
   
   
2. POLICY
   This policy applies to all individuals including but not limited to employees, students, parents, guardians, volunteers, and visitors, who are on or around school premises and other District buildings and property.
   
   
3. DEFINITIONS
   1. “Concealed firearm” means a firearm that is
      1. covered, hidden, or secreted in a manner that the public would not be aware of its presence;
      2. and readily accessible for immediate use.
   2. “Dangerous weapon” means:
      1. A firearm; or
      2. An object that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.
   3. “School District Property” is defined as all property including buildings, portable buildings, parking lots, fields, parks and other land under the possession of the Weber School District, whether leased or owned, where business of the Weber School District takes place.
      
      
4. PROHIBITED CONDUCT
   1. Possession or use of a dangerous weapon or firearm by anyone in a school building, in or on school District property, or in conjunction with any school activity, unless specifically authorized by law, is in violation of the law and Weber School District Policy, and will be subject to disciplinary actions which may include termination.
   2. Students are prohibited at all times from possession or use of a dangerous weapon in or on school District property or in conjunction with any school activity.
   3. This section does not apply if the possession is approved by the responsible school administrator (Utah Code §76-10-505.5(4)(c)).
      
      
5. EXCEPTIONS
   The following are exceptions to the general prohibition stated above:
   1. Employees of Weber School District who have legally obtained a permit to carry a concealed firearm according to the Concealed Firearm Act (Utah Code §53-5-704).
   2. Employees of Weber School District who are acting as a designated school guardian and meet all the requirements under Utah Code §53-22-105(3).
   3. Educators participating in the Educator-Protector Program as described in Utah Code §53-22107.
      
      
6. CARRYING AND STORAGE OF A FIREARM
   1. Utah state law allows any holder of a valid concealed weapons permit to carry a concealed weapon on school District property.  
   2. A concealed weapon must be readily accessible for immediate use, except as described in section VI.D. of this policy, any person who carries a concealed weapon on school premises, must keep it on their person at all times, and it must be fully concealed. Except as described in section VI.D. of this policy, employees are prohibited from keeping a concealed weapon in or on any property fixture or furniture owned by the school District.  This would include but is not be limited to desks, closets, cabinets, or any other property owned by and located on school District property.
   3. If a person lawfully carries a concealed weapon in any personal container, bag, briefcase, purse, backpack, etc., that item must be on the person at all times while on school property, except as described in section VI.D. of this policy.
   4. Guardians and teachers participating in the Educator-Protector Program may store their firearm on the grounds of a school only if:
      1. the firearm is stored in a biometric gun safe;
      2. the biometric gun safe is located in the guardian’s or teacher’s office; and
      3. the guardian or teacher is physically present on the grounds of the school while the firearm is stored in the safe.
   5. Neither a school guardian nor a teacher participating in the Educator-Protector Program may display or open carry a firearm while on school grounds, unless during an active threat.
      
      
7. LIABILITY OF PERSONS CARRYING ON CAMPUS
   1. A school guardian or teacher participating in the Educator-Protector Program who has active status in their respective program is not liable for any civil damages or penalties if the guardian or teacher:
      1. when carrying or storing a firearm:
         1. is acting in good faith; and
         2. is not grossly negligent; or
      2. threatens, draws, or otherwise uses a firearm reasonably believing the action to be necessary in compliance with Utah Code §76-2-402.
   2. All other persons who are employees of Weber School District who obtain concealed weapons permits do so at their own volition.  Any employee’s decision to carry or use a weapon will be the sole responsibility of that person as an individual, and not as an employee of the school district.  Any and all liabilities, damages, demands, claims, action or proceedings in law or equity, including attorney’s fees and costs to suit, relating to or arising out of an employee decision to carry, threaten use, or use a weapon will be the sole responsibility of that employee without recourse to, or liability from or through the district.  Employees who have concealed carry permits are obligated to have knowledge of and adhere to state and local weapons laws.

Approved by the Board: August 2025