South Carolina schools must expel students for certain weapon threats

School boards must expel students whose weapon threats meet the law’s tests. The threat must target specific students, staff, or a school and threaten bodily harm with a weapon against students or school employees. The student must knowingly and willfully communicate the threat, intending it to reach another person. A hearing must find that an ordinary person would reasonably expect violence, the student could carry it out, and the threat substantially disrupted school operations. The board or superintendent may adjust the expulsion case by case. Students must have access to alternative or online education. District policy must require referral to the local Department of Juvenile Justice office or its representative. These provisions took effect May 18, 2026.

Students found to have knowingly brought a firearm to school must be expelled. The rule covers schools and any other setting under the local school board’s authority. The school board may adjust the period case by case when it conducts the hearing. When another authority conducts the hearing, the superintendent may recommend an adjustment. The board must approve it or the required expulsion period returns. Students retain their hearing and appeal rights and may receive alternative or online education. District policy must require referral to the local Department of Juvenile Justice office or its representative. These provisions took effect May 18, 2026.

Expelled and suspended students must stay off school grounds and cannot attend school functions or ride school buses. The restrictions apply throughout a student’s expulsion or suspension. Students may enter school grounds for a prearranged conference with an administrator. These restrictions do not prevent enrollment and attendance in alternative education, including adult education or online programs. These provisions took effect May 18, 2026.

School boards or designated administrators may transfer students within the district instead of suspending or expelling them. Transfers must be to another school in the same district. A hearing with the parent or legal guardian must happen first, unless they request a conference instead. The receiving school’s principal must receive notice and provide input. Parents or legal guardians may appeal an administrator’s transfer decision to the school board. These provisions took effect May 18, 2026.