Weapons and Assaultive Behavior Policy

TSAS Weapons and Assaultive Behavior Policy, adopted by the Board of Trustees 2026-07-21

Violent and Assaultive Behavior

All students and staff have the right to be safe from verbal or physical assaults, threatening or harassing behavior, or any type of bullying or intimidation. TSAS recognizes that sexual harassment is prohibited — as to students under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and as to employees under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — and addresses such incidents under the Civil Rights and Harassment Grievance Procedure. The State of Oklahoma has enacted other laws to protect victims in these situations. TSAS will pursue prosecution by the appropriate agencies wherever necessary.

Categories of offenses:

  • Use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or other conduct which interferes with school purposes, including urging other students to engage in such conduct.
  • Sexual harassment or abuse.
  • Intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical injury, or intentionally behaving in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to any person. This includes driving dangerously on school property or during a school-related activity.
  • Possessing, handling, or transmitting any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon. Reasonable and justified suspicion by a teacher or other staff member may result in search and seizure according to and in compliance with the law.
  • Threatening or harassing verbal assault.
  • Bullying, fighting, striking, or in any way harming another.
  • Sexual assault/battery, indecent exposure, sexting, lewd proposals and/or videos.
  • Threatening or harassing behavior mentioning weapons or death.
  • Direct attack with a weapon.

Weapons

A weapon is any firearm whether loaded or unloaded; any chemical substance, device, or instrument designed or used to cause trauma, bodily harm, or death. TSAS does not allow the possession or use of weapons and will take immediate appropriate steps to prioritize the safety of students and staff. Weapons, as defined above, include but are not limited to:

  • All loaded or unloaded firearms — see Firearms, below
  • Other guns of all types including pellet, BB, stun, look-alike, and other non-functional guns that could be used to threaten or intimidate
  • Knives, switchblades, or automatically opening blades including but not limited to “butterfly” knives, daggers, swords, or razors
  • Artificial knuckles, black-jacks, nunchucks, or throwing stars
  • Explosives
  • Hunting bows, crossbows, or slingshots
  • Any chemical which could cause physical or mental harm
  • Any object used in a manner that can be interpreted as dangerous or threatening

Some objects are questionable as to whether they are weapons and whether their presence requires enforcement of this policy. TSAS Administration may use its discretion when interpreting use and intent. Such potentially dangerous objects may include, but are not limited to: small pocket knives; throwing darts; mace; flammable liquids; fireworks, firecrackers, and smoke bombs; nuisance items and toys (non-look-alike); and unauthorized tools, chains, and pipes.

Firearms. For purposes of this paragraph, a firearm is any weapon as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921. A student determined to have brought a firearm onto school property, or to have possessed a firearm on school property or in any vehicle used by the School to transport students, shall be suspended out of school for a period of not less than one (1) year, the term to be determined by the Board of Trustees (Gun-Free Schools Act, 20 U.S.C. § 7961; 70 O.S. § 24-101.3). The Head of School, as the chief administering officer of the School, may modify the term of the suspension for a student on a case-by-case basis; any such modification shall be made in writing and retained in the student’s record. A suspension imposed under this paragraph carries the notice, appeal, and education-services provisions of the Out-of-School Suspension, Expulsion, and Education Services policy.

Possession. Students and non-students, including employees and other adults, are forbidden from possessing, storing, handling, or transmitting any instrument considered by TSAS Administration to be a weapon or a “look-alike” weapon in any part of the school grounds described above, except by the approval of TSAS Administration or designee.

Procedures concerning student violations:

  • Confiscation of the object or weapon (if it can be done safely). If an emergency exists, the administration will immediately notify the police.
  • If a weapon (e.g., gun) is confiscated outside of emergency circumstances, the administration will report the findings to law enforcement.
  • Notification of parent/guardian.
  • Holding of an administrative hearing with student(s) and parents. Suspension from school will be determined by offense. For offenses not involving a firearm, TSAS Administration may apply a lesser penalty after studying intent and circumstances; firearm violations are governed by Firearms, above.

Penalties. In cases of violations by other youths and adults, including TSAS employees, TSAS Administration may use its discretion on police involvement. All violations of state or federal law require TSAS Administration to report to law enforcement. Employees may also be subject to investigation and relevant TSAS disciplinary procedures by the TSAS Board.

Student reporting. A student who sees or becomes aware of a weapon on the way to school, on school grounds, or in the school building should immediately notify any school employee. Students should not touch the weapon or remain in the presence of any person who possesses it.

Authorized instructional and work-related equipment and tools. This policy is not meant to interfere with instruction or the use of appropriate equipment and tools by employees and students. Such equipment, when properly used and stored, shall not be considered a weapon for purposes of this policy. When used in a potentially dangerous or threatening manner, however, the guidelines and consequences of this policy take effect.

Exceptions (pursuant to Oklahoma law):

  • Licensed peace officers, military personnel, or students participating in military training who are performing official duties.
  • School-approved firearm safety courses or activities conducted on school property.
  • School-approved possession and use of dangerous weapons by a ceremonial color guard.
  • School-approved possession and use of starter guns for athletic contests or drama.
  • Possession of dangerous weapons other than firearms, with prior written permission of the principal.

Legal authority — 21 O.S. § 1280.1 (possession of weapon on school property); 21 O.S. § 1272 (defined weapons); 21 O.S. § 645 et seq. (assault & battery); Gun-Free Schools Act, 20 U.S.C. § 7961 / 70 O.S. § 24-101.3 (mandatory one-year firearm expulsion)

Board adoption: 2026-07-21 (re-adopted; prior via 2025-26 Student Handbook, 2025-08-12).

Last updated: August 4, 2026