Weapons Policy
SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Weapons Policy for Parish Religious Education Programs
A safe, caring environment is the goal for every parish or diocesan function. All administrators of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux are concerned for the safety of all children and adults who congregate for parish religious education programs (PREP); therefore, we recognize the need for regulations regarding the possession of weapons by students on diocesan, church parish, or other properties, or facilities during activities sponsored by PREP.
Carrying a firearm, knife or other weapon on school or church property, at a school or church function sponsored by PREP, wherever located, or in a firearm-free zone as defined in R.S. 14: 95.6 (C) (1) is unlawful and shall not be permitted at any time.
For purposes of this section, the following words are defined as stated below:
(1) Weapon means any instrumentality, gas, liquid or object customarily, traditionally and/or conventionally used to harm another person. This includes guns and/or firearms of any type, knives, large pieces of wood, metal and other compositions which in the manner used is intended to cause harm and/or injury to another person.
(2) School means any elementary, secondary, and/or high school.
(3) Campus means all facilities and property within the boundary of the school or church
(4) School bus means any motor vehicle being used to transport children to and from school or other designated area in connection with school or parish activities sponsored by PREP.
If a student is detained, or a weapon is confiscated by the pastor, religious education official, teacher, catechist, or other diocesan official, and if the person who confiscated the weapon or detained the student is other than the Pastor, associate pastor, or parish director of religious education, the individual who did so should report the incident to one of these three immediately. The pastor or in his absence the associate pastor or in their absence the director of religious education shall immediately report the detention or seizure to the police department or sheriff’s department if necessary.
If a student is detained for carrying a weapon on Diocesan, Church Parish, School properties, or other places during activities sponsored by PREP, the pastor shall be notified immediately by the person responsible for the specific activity and the pastor, or his designee in turn shall notify the student’s parents. The student shall be removed from the property and placed in the care of the parents. The student shall be allowed to return to religious education only at the discretion of the pastor in consultation with the parish director of religious education.
Documentation of the incident shall be provided on the student’s religious education permanent record indicating that a weapon was found in his/her possession. When the period of suspension from classes has expired, the parents must meet with the parish director of religious education and/or the pastor prior to the student being allowed to return to class.
Revised May 25, 2007