Firearms, Weapons and Destructive Devices

Definitions

"Firearm" means any weapon that is capable of expelling, designed to expel or that may readily be converted to expel a projectile by means of an explosion.

"Weapon" means an object which, in the  manner in which it is used, is intended to be used, or is represented, is capable of inflicting serious bodily harm or property damage, as well as endangering the health and safety of persons. Weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms, tasers, handguns, stun guns, guns of any type, including air and gas-powered guns (whether loaded or unloaded), knives, razors, clubs, electric weapons, chemical weapons, metallic knuckles, martial arts weapons, ammunition, and destructive devices (bomb, incendiary device, grenade, Molotov cocktail, or rocket, with a propellant charge of more than four (4) ounces, etc.). 

A "knife" is defined as "an instrument that: 1) consists of a sharp edge or sharp pointed blade capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds; and 2) is intended to be used as a weapon." I.C. 35-47-5-2.5(a).

Policy 

Indiana law prohibits individuals from possessing, storing, making, or using certain dangerous weapons in or on school property. Indiana law states that no person may possess a firearm in or on school property or on a school bus, unless specific exceptions apply. Indiana law states that no person may possess a knife intended to be used as a weapon in or on school property or on a school bus. This policy also prohibits the possession of look-alike weapons in or on school property as well as false fire alarms, bomb threats or intentional calls to falsely report a dangerous situation.

A student or employee who has reason to believe that a person is violating the law or this Policy shall immediately report the alleged violation to an administrator or law enforcement officer. West Lafayette Community School Corporation will immediately report any suspected violation of the law to law enforcement, as a violation of this law constitutes a criminal offense for adults and an act of delinquency for juveniles. The Corporation may take any necessary steps to exclude the person from school property or events for safety concerns.

No employee in the scope of his or her employment may possess a firearm, ammunition, or other dangerous weapon in or on school property, in or on property that is being used by a school for a school function, on a school bus, or in a motor vehicle that is owned, leased, or controlled by the Corporation. The Superintendent will report an employee who violates this policy to law enforcement official. The employee also will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination, for violation of this policy.

No student may possess, store, make, or use a weapon in or on property that is being used by a school for a school function, or on a school bus. Exceptions to this policy include: theatrical props used in appropriate settings; starter pistols used in appropriate school-related sporting events; and, other equipment necessary for a school standard event or activity.

The Superintendent will report any student who violates this policy to the student's parents or guardians and to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the property where the offense occurs. The student also may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.

This prohibition does not apply to weapons under the control of law enforcement personnel, as well as a School Resource Officer or other school security personnel who is not a law enforcement officer, but who may legally possess a firearm.

This prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is locked in an employee or visitor's trunk, kept in the glove department of the person's locked vehicle, or stored out of plain sight in the person's locked vehicle. This exception does not apply to students unless it is a high school student who is a member of a shooting sports team and the principal has approved the student keeping a firearm concealed in the student's motor vehicle on days the student is competing or practicing as a member of a shooting sports team. This exception also does not apply to former students if the person is no longer enrolled in school due to a disciplinary action within the previous twenty-four (24) months.

I.C. 20-33-8-16

I.C. 20-33-9-1 et seq.

I.C. 34-28-7-2

I.C. 35-47-1-5

I.C. 35-47-5-2.5

I.C. 35-47-9

20 U.S.C. 7151

20 U.S.C. 7961(h)(1)

West Lafayette Community School Corporation

Adopted: September 8, 2025

Revised: [date]