Toy gun at school doesn't meet Knox Co.'s zero tolerance policy

Toy gun at school doesn't meet Knox Co.'s zero tolerance policy

February 28, 2005

By CATHARYN CAMPBELL
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- A student from West Valley Middle School got in trouble for brining a toy gun to school but his punishment won't come from the system's zero tolerance policy. However, the gun's manufacturer sends out warnings about possible dangers.

The toy is called an Airsoft gun. Many people use the plastic, air-powered guns, for sports such as paint ball. They come in many shapes and sizes.

Knox County School District spokesman Russ Oaks says the model taken from the West Valley student on February 25th was plastic and looked nothing like a real gun. "After talking to the principal, it's a plastic toy that shoots a small plastic pellet. He told me that's smaller than what would be considered a BB."

The pellets aren't supposed to cause injuries but a web site dedicated to Airsoft guns says "an accidental discharge at close range can have any number of damaging effects including but not limited to broken teeth and damaged eyes."

Still, the district doesn't consider Airsoft guns firearms. "A fire arm by definition is something that shoots a projectile from an explosive charge," Oaks says.

A web site says Airsoft guns are often mistaken for real ones. The site encourages parents to "be aware that if your child brings an Airsoft gun to school or any public place they may be arrested or, at worst, shot by a police officer."

Oaks says he agrees that toy guns don't belong at school. "Besides endangering other people, it also endangers the student who might be carrying a toy weapon that could be misconstrued to be a weapon."

The spokesman says the Airsoft gun was never fired at school and administrators didn't feel anyone was in danger.

Two students will be punished for handling the toy gun at school. He says other students told teachers and administrators about it.

Knox County schools have had a zero tolerance policy since 1994. Students caught with weapons, drugs or committing violence at school can be expelled for one year. However, the superintendent has the authority to change this on a case-by-case basis.

Students who are expelled have five days to appeal the decision.