In recent months there have been several instances in which the police have responded to reports of guns on school campuses, only to find that the gun is an Airsoft / BB / or realistic toy gun.  There have been two incidents at Helix Charter High School , in April and May, in which students have brought airsoft/BB guns to school.  

Airsoft guns can be easily mistaken for real guns, with potentially deadly consequences. Many of these replica guns have all the markings of real guns including the trademarks of the real gun manufacturers. Just as you would not display a real firearm in public, the same is true with airsoft guns. Airsoft guns are not “cap” guns or “squirt” guns.  Remember, it is very difficult to visibly distinguish an airsoft gun from a real gun. Here is an example:

California Penal Code section 626.10(a) makes it illegal to bring any BB, pellet or airsoft gun that is operated by forced air (CO2) or spring action onto a school campus.  This section also covers many other illegal weapons, such as knives, daggers, tasers, and stun guns.  If you are caught with any of these weapons on campus, you can be arrested. California Penal Code section 12553(a)(1) makes it a misdemeanor to alter a replica gun (removing the orange or red tip) to make the gun look more realistic.  

In addition to criminal charges, and the potential for a deadly encounter with police, there is a State zero-tolerance policy.  California Education Code section 48915(c) provides that all schools require mandatory suspension and the recommendation for expulsion for any student who possesses any weapon on campus.

We urge parents to discuss this very important issue with their children and make clear to them the dangers and consequences of taking any weapon or simulated weapon to school or any public place.