A routine, random search turned up a loaded handgun in the possession of a Charlotte Amalie High School student Monday, Virgin Islands Department of Education officials said.
Virgin Islands Police Department officers were swiftly summoned and the weapon confiscated, officials said.
“Protocols were immediately enacted, and the weapon was confiscated without delay in full coordination with the Virgin Islands Police Department. The student involved will face the appropriate disciplinary consequences and legal action as outlined in VIDE policies and Virgin Islands law,” Education officials wrote in a media release Monday morning. “Virgin Islands Department of Education is reaffirming its strict zero-tolerance policy for weapons, drugs, and all illegal items on public school campuses following a serious incident today at Charlotte Amalie High School.”
Bringing weapons of any sort or illegal objects, including drugs, onto school property is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated under any circumstance, education officials wrote.
“Such behavior endangers the school community, violates department regulations, and creates fear, panic, and disruption for students, faculty, and staff. Schools are institutions of learning not environments for illegal, harmful, or threatening items,” they said. “To maintain a safe and secure educational environment across the territory, random searches will continue to occur on all campuses, and the VIDE will sustain close collaboration with the VIPD as the investigation proceeds and disciplinary measures are enforced.”
Education officials urged parents, guardians, and students to take the matter seriously and to support the department’s continued efforts to keep all campuses safe, focused on teaching, learning, and student success.
