I. Scope:

This policy applies to all employees, students, contractors and visitors to the campus. For the purposes of this policy “campus” is defined as all college-owned or leased buildings and surrounding areas such as sidewalks, walkways, driveways and parking lots under the college’s ownership or control. This policy applies to all college-owned or leased vehicles and all vehicles that come onto college property.

II. Statement of Policy:

St. John’s College prohibits the use, possession, or storage of any firearm or other weapon, as defined below, on college property and at college sponsored events. This includes vehicles parked on-campus and applies to individuals who have a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon.

III. Definitions:

1. Firearm – Any weapon or instrument from which a shot, projectile, or other object may be discharged by force, whether operable or inoperable, loaded or unloaded. This also includes the frame or receiver of any such weapon and any firearm muffler or silencer.
2. Replica – Any device or object made of metal, wood, rubber, plastic, or any other material made to look like or resemble a real firearm or other weapon.
3. Weapon – The term weapon includes any potentially dangerous object or substance including, but not limited to the following:
   • BB gun, pellet gun, air rifle, paint gun, stun gun, flare gun, dart gun, and any ammunition;
   • any sword (including decorative), dagger or knife (except for an ordinary penknife with a blade of three inches or less while carried in the closed position; or knives designed for cooking and eating), any razor or razor blades (except when used for personal shaving) or ice pick;
   • any electronic stun devices;
   • any blackjack, metallic knuckles, nunchaku, or other martial arts weapons;
   • any slingshot or other manual device that can be used to propel objects;
   • any illegal or potentially dangerous chemicals, any bomb, grenade, mine, dynamite, firecrackers, fireworks, or other explosive device; or
   • any other instrument which by its nature, in consideration of existing conditions, may be reasonably construed as a weapon.

IV. Exceptions to this Policy:

1. Sworn peace/law enforcement officers employed by public agencies who are authorized to wear, carry, or transport a weapon as part of their official equipment. Sworn peace/law enforcement officers are encouraged to report their presence to the Office of Public Safety.
2. Armored car services or others hired by the college who are authorized by their employer and legally permitted to possess weapons while acting in the course of their official duties.
3. Individuals may carry OC (oleoresin capsicum/pepper) spray for self-defense purposes.
4. Lab chemicals and instruments used in the normal course of instruction.
5. Where there exists a legitimate operational need for knives, box cutters, razors, and other bladed instruments.
6. Groups using prop weapons in theatrical productions should report that information to the Office of Public Safety.
7. The use of weapons in programs sanctioned or sponsored by student clubs (e.g., fencing club), is permitted, where such items are maintained, stored, and monitored by a college staff member, and are used in a controlled, monitored environment.
8. Where the President has expressly waived the prohibition on weapons in consultation with the Chief of Public Safety.

V. Enforcement:

1. Staff and students must exercise initiative in reporting any unsafe conditions and must immediately notify Public Safety upon seeing any type of weapon on-campus.
2. The college reserves the right at any time and at its sole discretion to search all college-owned or leased vehicles and all vehicles, packages, containers, briefcases, purses, lockers, desks, facilities, buildings, enclosures, and persons entering its property, for the purpose of determining whether any weapon is being, or has been, brought onto its property or premises in violation of this policy. Employees and students who fail or refuse to promptly permit a search under this policy will be subject to discipline as defined below.
3. Violations of this policy by employees will result in discipline, up to and including termination of employment.
4. Violations by students will be referred for adjudication, up to and including expulsion.
5. Non-students and/or non-employees who violate this policy may be removed from campus and restricted or barred from College facilities pursuant to applicable trespass procedures.
6. Violations that may constitute unlawful activity will also be reported to local law enforcement by the Chief of Public Safety.

VI. Contact

Questions about this policy can be directed to the Chief of Public Safety.

VII. History

Last updated July 2023