School Violence: Laws and Regulations

Safety in our learning environments is a top priority for everyone. Schools across the nation work to prevent violence. They especially work to prevent gun violence and school shootings. Both school leaders and law enforcement work together to ensure school safety. They work to make sure every K-12 school and higher education institution remains a safe haven for learning.

School shootings and incidents of violence have unfortunately become more common. Legislation at both state and federal levels has shifted to focus on the safety of students, staff, and school property. These laws and regulations revolve around preventing violence. They also focus on limiting access to weapons and help ensure schools have the right resources to maintain a secure learning environment.

Laws on school violence are constantly changing. The threats faced by students are constantly changing, and all levels of government want to keep children safe. Yet, they cannot do so at the expense of all personal freedom.

This article reviews some of the laws about school violence.

Federal Laws on Weapons in Schools

Many federal laws have been passed to counter mass shootings and reduce gun violence in public schools. The Gun-Free Schools Act (GFSA) was the federal government's first foray into school safety. It was originally passed in 1994 as part of the Improving America's Schools Act.

The GFSA requires states receiving federal education funds to enact certain laws. These laws mandate the expulsion for at least one year of any student found in possession of a firearm at school. This includes on school property, during school-sponsored activities, and on school transportation.

In addition, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993) is another relevant law. This law is codified at 18 U.S.C. § 921 et seq. This law mandates background checks on gun purchasers. The purpose of the Brady Act is to prevent firearms from being sold to prohibited individuals. Such individuals include those convicted of felonies.

It also includes certain domestic abusers and individuals with specific mental health disqualifications. This act makes it harder for young people with violent histories to buy firearms.

The Youth Handgun Safety Act is part of the Brady Act. This law prohibits the possession of handguns by minors under the age of 18. There are certain exceptions. It prohibits adults from transferring handguns to minors, with some exceptions. It is not only limited to school buildings. It has implications for students and school environments.

Visit the U.S. Department of Education's National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments Safety page for more information about federal initiatives. You can also access the U.S. Department of Justice's School Safety page for more information about school crime and safety.

Enforcing Federal Firearm Laws: Limits on School Officials

Federal laws set clear guidelines on firearms and student safety, but the direct enforcement of these bans doesn't reset in the hands of school officials. School administrators play a vital role in shaping the educational environment, but they operate within a specific set of boundaries. They are not trained, equipped, or legally authorized to enforce federal firearm laws.

Specifically, the Constitution limits the types of searches school administrators can conduct. School staff may want to search a student to find weapons. School administrators may also wish to punish students for violent or bullying speech, but students are protected by the First Amendment. They have certain rights and freedoms while on campus. The students' due process rights must be protected every step of the way.

Under President Biden's administration, there has been an increase in advocacy for stricter measures. These stricter measures are aimed against school-based violence. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security plays an important role. They take an active role in training and providing resources to first responders and school resource officers. These individuals are trained to handle active shooter situations.

State Laws on School Violence

Many states have enacted complete bans on weapons in schools throughout their state. States are not prohibited from weapons bans in the same way the federal government is prohibited. Instead, creating and enforcing weapons bans near schools is the domain of state lawmakers.

Private and public schools have started working on refining their approach to safety. Private schools have more flexibility in some respects. Many secondary education programs have adopted anti-hazing or anti-violence policies that apply to adult students. Check with your state's university system to find out more about these laws. They, too, adhere to state guidelines. This helps ensure a safe school environment for all.

These bans are often complicated by the state's attitudes and initiatives toward gun control. Some states have laws that protect one's ability to carry a concealed weapon. Adults legally carrying a concealed weapon may enter school grounds.

Some states have debated whether to train their teachers in gun safety. This was in hopes that each teacher could become an armed defender of their students' lives, but no state has yet enacted such a law. Be sure to check with a local education attorney to learn more about your state's laws on school violence.

Every state has its guidelines on school safety. School boards across the nation mandate school safety plans. These plans focus on improving the school climate and keeping students safe. School boards understand the importance of a positive school environment. These positive school environments can help prevent violence prevention.

State and Local Safety Initiatives

States and local school districts often have their own set of rules and guidelines that supplement federal laws. These rules and guidelines include drills for emergency situations like an active shooter. Initiatives also include collaboration with local law enforcement. They can work together to design strategic responses to potential threats. Some states also regulate the possession of other potential weapons. This can include knives or chemical sprays.

There is also a major emphasis on mental health services. After tragedies that happened at schools like Uvalde, Parkland, and Sandy Hook, it became clear that mental health is a crucial factor. Many school districts now provide mental health services for their students. They also offer mental health training for school staff. This is because school employees are often the first to notice signs of distress in students.

Many schools have increased access to mental health services for students. This includes programs like anti-bullying programs and community engagement initiatives. These initiatives encourage the school community to work together. This school community can collaborate to discuss concerns and find solutions.

Many states have also installed increased school security. They have hired school resource officers, who are specially trained to work in school environments. Their presence is a deterrent to potential threats and a resource for school leaders.

Getting Legal Help With School Safety

If there are concerns about school violence, it's advisable to seek help from law enforcement first. If you need clarification on regulations, you might want to seek legal help. Local advocacy groups and legal professionals can help.

Talk to an experienced educational law attorney about your legal situation today.