Students Behaving Badly

Abstract

This study looks at existing aspects of written school violence policies (Codes of Student Conduct) across large, mid-size, and small school districts in Florida. The aim was to provide a clearer picture of how weapons are defined, and the consequences of their possession, use, or display. Two research areas were addressed: 1. What constitutes a weapon in Florida's public school districts? 2. What consequences of weapons violations are dictated by Florida school districts' Codes of Student Conduct? The school districts' written Codes of Student Conduct were examined to discover patterns among the districts in their definition of a weapon, and the consequences of weapons violations. Using the Composite Weapons Classification Matrix, actual examples defined by Florida schools were identified and categorized by the researchers. These categories included blunt objects, chemical weapons, destructive devices, electrical weapons, firearms and projectiles, knives and sharp instruments, martial arts weapons, and other objects. Most of the districts classify infractions in terms of their seriousness, using a three, four, or five categorical system, with the gravest offenses reserved for the highest (most severe) category. In every district, weapons violations (possession, use or sale of firearms, explosive devices or other weapons) were listed within the highest (most severe) infraction category. The most common consequences were out of school suspension, expulsion, confiscation of the weapon, and referral to law enforcement authorities.