Can a Vermont school do a BTA because a student suggests they may be suicidal?

No, thinking about suicide, alone, should not trigger a Behavioral Threat Assessment. When a student is struggling with mental health and thinking of self-harm, this is not a threat of severe and significant targeted violence against a school or school community.

Vermont students, especially teens, are experiencing very high rates of mental health challenges. This does not make our students threats. Students need help and connection to mental health care. Students may also need an evaluation for disability-based services or accommodations at school.

Can a school do a BTA if a student is accused of bringing a weapon to school?

Yes. The purpose of a Behavioral Threat Assessment is to prevent instances of severe and significant targeted violence against schools and school communities. This includes threats related to weapons, mass casualties and bomb threats.

The U.S. has school shootings. When a student brings a weapon to school, a school would be meeting the purpose of the law by doing a Threat Assessment.

Carrying or possessing a weapon at school, on school grounds, or at school events is serious and is a reason for expulsion under federal law. A school board is only empowered to not expel a student who brings a weapon to school under narrow exceptions.

Can a school do a Threat Assessment because they are concerned there is a pattern of school conduct violations and in-school or out-of-school suspensions?

No, a pattern of school conduct violations such as being late to class, skipping classes, or not following a dress code would not justify a BTA.

However, other school conduct violations, such as threats of harm, assaults on other students or staff, or behaviors that suggest a threat of use of weapon, mass casualty, or bomb threat, could be a basis for a BTA.