Weapons in schools: Washington's growing concern

Lina PortmanMay 30, 2024

0 1 minute read

A new report finds an increase in the number of guns children are bringing to school in Washington state.

Reports from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) also suggest that school districts are adopting a sub-zero tolerance policy in the face of a growing problem.

OSPI reported an 11.6% increase in the number of weapons found on school grounds in the 2021-22 school year compared to 2022-23. OSPI reported 2,275 weapons-related incidents in Washington public and private schools. 13.8% or 316 involved firearms and each case involving a firearm occurred on a public school campus. The number of incidents involving firearms also increased by 34% between the 2021-22 school year and last year's report.

The nationwide school report is not yet released, but in 2021-22, Washington ranked 11th in the nation for students who brought weapons to school.

The Lewiston Tribune examines the situation in more detail and reports that a Washington Post investigation found that about 1.1 million students, or 1 in 47, attend a school where the media reported that a gun fire was found last year.

Washington prohibits the possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons on school grounds. The only exceptions are security and law enforcement personnel.

Zero tolerance policy? Not really

Students found in possession of a firearm anywhere on school grounds are subject to mandatory expulsion, but superintendents have discretion to modify expulsions on a case-by-case basis.

Despite the increase in weapons found on Washington school grounds, OSPI reports that expulsions for weapons-related incidents have decreased by 49 percent. School districts increased the number of suspensions by 12% in 2022-23 compared to the previous year.

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