Dear Opelika City Schools Students and Families,

The safety of our students and employees is our highest priority. Please read this important message and discuss it with your child.

Threats Have Serious Consequences

Alabama House Bill 7, effective July 1, 2026, strengthens the criminal and school disciplinary consequences for making terrorist threats against schools and other public places. Under the new law:

• Making a terrorist threat in the first degree is a Class B felony.
• A student charged with making a terrorist threat in the first or second degree must be immediately removed from regular classes and may be prohibited from entering public school property for at least one year unless the charges are dismissed earlier.
• Readmission is subject to the resolution of the charges, completion of any required mental health evaluation and counseling, and satisfaction of local Board requirements.
• A student adjudicated or convicted of making a terrorist threat will be expelled and may be responsible, along with a parent or guardian, for costs resulting from the incident.

Opelika City Schools will take every threat seriously. Threats made in person, by text message, through social media, by email, on gaming platforms, or through any other form of communication will be investigated and reported to law enforcement when appropriate.

A threat described as a joke, prank, or attempt to gain attention can still result in severe school discipline and criminal consequences.

Weapons and Weapon-Like Items Are Prohibited

Students must not bring weapons or weapon-like items onto school property. Prohibited items include:

• Firearms and knives;
• BB, pellet, Airsoft, and Orbeez guns;
• Toy guns, replica firearms, and realistic imitation weapons;
• Water guns or other items that resemble firearms; and
• Any object that could reasonably be perceived as a weapon or used to threaten or intimidate someone.

Possessing these items may result in suspension, alternative placement, expulsion, and criminal charges when appropriate.

Please Help Us Keep Every School Safe

Parents and guardians, please check your child’s backpack and belongings and discuss the seriousness of threats, social media posts, weapons, and weapon-like items.

Students, if you see something, hear something, or learn about a possible threat, do not repost it or attempt to investigate it yourself. Report it immediately to a parent, teacher, principal, or School Resource Officer.

School safety is everyone’s responsibility. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain safe, secure schools where every student and employee can focus on teaching, learning, and success.

Dr. Kevin Davis
Superintendent
Opelika City Schools