The Lacey school district quietly changed a policy last week that prohibited students from legally handling a gun off campus after being threatened with a lawsuit by a gun advocacy organization.
Though the district denied it disciplined two students after one posted a photo of firearms at a range, a family friend said the boys received five days of in-school suspension. One of the boys also said in a Facebook post that he and his friend were punished.
The discipline against the students ignited an uproar on social media and could lead to a big turnout at a board education meeting Monday evening at Lacey Township High School.
Before tweaking the language in the high school's student handbook, the policy said "any student who is reported to be in possession of a weapon of any type for any reason or purpose whether on or off school grounds," would be subject to penalties including up to a one-year suspension.
It now omits any mention of possessing a weapon off school grounds and doesn't mention a specific suspension length. It also includes a note on buses.
"Students are forbidden to carry any type of weapon or simulated weapon to school," the revamped policy states. "Strict disciplinary action and legal actions will result if this occurs. Any person who knowingly has in his possession any imitation firearm in or upon any part of the building... without the written authorization of the governing officer of the institution, or while on any school bus is a disorderly person."
The revised policy can be accessed from the district's website but the old policy is still publicly available on a Google drive.
The executive director of the group that threatened to sue, the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs, said his organization considers the district's about-face a victory.
"It addresses many of the major issued we identified, but our counsel is still reviewing it," Scott Bach said.
Bach also blasted the district for not admitting its policy was wrong.
"Instead of the superintendent fessing up and admitting the policy was wrong, they try this misdirection," said Bach who described the district's antics as "petty" and "juvenile."
The photo that sparked the community backlash was taken on a weekend at a private gun range, according to Lacey Township resident Amanda Buron, a family friend of one of the students.
The photo showing four rifles, magazines and a gun duffel bag was shared by one of the students on the social media app Snapchat with the caption "fun day at the range," Buron said.
Lacey schools Superintendent Craig Wigley said in an email to NJ Advance Media on Thursday that "information posted on social media is incorrect" and that private matters involving students cannot be discussed. He declined to say what aspect of the accounts posted on social media is inaccurate.
Wigley didn't return an email and a phone call on Monday morning.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.