Sample Handbook Language

All threats of violence, whether oral, written, or symbolic, against students, staff, or to school facilities are prohibited. All such threats will be promptly investigated. Law enforcement may be contacted. Threats issued and delivered away from school or school activities may be grounds for disciplinary action if the threat impacts the orderly and efficient operation of the school.

Students engaging in threatening behavior will face disciplinary consequences up to and including expulsion.

The following factors will be considered in determining the extent to which a student will be disciplined for threatening or terroristic behavior:

• the background of the student, including any history of violence or prior threatening behavior;
• the student's access to weapons of any kind; the circumstances surrounding the threat; the age of the student;
• the mental and emotional maturity of the student;
• cooperation of the student and his or her parent(s) or guardian(s) in the investigation;
• the existence of the student's juvenile or criminal history;
• the degree of legitimate alarm or concern in the school community created by the threat;
• and any other relevant information from any credible source. 

School Administrators of Iowa

April 2001