When you are dealing with what constitutes a weapon in a public school there are a few different things you need to look at depending on the facts. There is the basic Massachusetts law which provides a definition of weapon; in other cases (especially in a special education context) there is a federal definition around weapon. You would also need to look at your school's student handbook. If it was a pair of school scissors, I would say you should try and have a logical conversation with the principal or the superintendent about a more measured response. If that doesn't work you may want to speak with an attorney. A "zero-tolerance" policy shouldn't mean zero-use of judgment - common sense should still play a role and common sense tells us that there is a difference between safety scissors and a switch-blade. Good luck!
