References:

UCA §53-5-704(1)
UCA §76-10-501 (2)(a).
UCA §76-10-505.5
UCA §76-10-505.5(4)(b)

Purpose of Policy

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. 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.

School District Property Defined

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.

State Law Defined

76-10-505.5. Possession of a dangerous weapon, firearm, or sawed-off shotgun on or about school premises…(2) A person may not possess any dangerous weapon, firearm, or sawed-off shotgun, as those terms are defined in Section 76-10-501, at a place that the person knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is on or about school premises as defined in this section.

The law further provides that a qualified person may receive a permit “to carry a concealed firearm for lawful self-defense….” UCA §53-5-704(1).

A concealed dangerous weapon means “…a dangerous weapon that is covered, hidden or secreted in a manner that the public would not be aware of its presence and is readily accessible for immediate use.” UCA §76-10-501 (2)(a).

Policy

Possession or use of a weapon by anyone in a school building, in or on school 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. This section does not apply if the possession is approved by the responsible school administrator (Section 76-10-505.5(4)(b). Students are prohibited at all times from possession or use of a weapon in or on school property or in conjunction with any school activity.

Concealed Weapon Permit Exceptions and Clarification

Utah State Law allows any holder of a valid concealed weapons permit to carry a concealed weapon on school district property. As a concealed weapon must be readily accessible for immediate use, 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. 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 not be limited to desks, closets, cabinets, or any other property owned by and located on school district property.
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. Employees who have concealed carry permits are obligated to have knowledge of and adhere to state and local weapons laws.

If a person 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.

Approved by the Board 12/04/2013