11.19 / Prohibiting Weapons on University Property

Purpose:
It is the policy of the Kansas Board of Regents that, to the extent permitted by law, the campus of each state university shall be weapons-free.  The purpose of this statement is to implement Board policy and set forth University policy with regard to the presence of weapons on University property.

Preamble:
In view of the enactment of the Personal and Family Protection Act, which became effective as law in Kansas on July 1, 2006, as amended by the Kansas Legislature in 2007, and Board of Regents policy, it is deemed advisable and appropriate to specifically state University policy with regard to the presence of weapons on University property or in any University facility.

Policy Statement:

1.  Weapons, explosives and other hazardous objects or substances covered by this policy shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Any object or device which will, is designed to, or may be readily converted to expel bullet, shot or shell by the action of an explosive or other propellant;
2. any handgun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun or other firearm of any nature, including concealed weapons licensed pursuant to the Personal and Family Protection Act, and amendments thereto;
3. any BB gun, pellet gun, air/CO2 gun, stun gun or blow gun;
4. any explosive, incendiary or poison gas (A) bomb, (B) mine, (C) grenade, (D) rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, or (E) missle having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than 1/4 ounce;
5. any incendiary or explosive material, liquid, solid or mixture equipped with a fuse, wick or other detonating device;
6. any tear gas bomb or smoke bomb; however, personal self-defense items containing mace or pepper spray shall not be deemed to be a weapon for the purposes of this policy;
7. any knife, commonly referred to as a switch-blade, which has a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife having a blade that opens or falls or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement;
8. any straight-blade knife of four inches or more such as a dagger, dirk, dangerous knife or stiletto; except that an ordinary pocket knife or culinary knife designed for and used solely in the preparation or service of food shall not be construed to be a weapon for the purposes of this policy;
9. any martial arts weapon such as nunchucks and throwing stars;
10. any longbow, crossbow and arrows or other projectile that could cause serious harm to any person;
11. all fireworks;
12. any operative animal trap or device that is used to ensnare animals (with the exception of mist nets used to snare birds or devices used by Physical Plant personnel or the University Police Department to control wild animals on campus).

For purposes of the above, weapons would not include items or materials used in or necessary for the conduct of Board-approved academic programs or University-approved activities or practices.  The University's Chief of Police should be notified about any such items or materials in advance of their use or presence on campus and mandate specific requirements for the possesion, use and storage of such items or materials.

2.  Weapons, as defined above, are not permitted on University property unless in the possession of a law enforcement officer, armored car security personnel, or as otherwise specifically permitted and authorized by the Personal and Family Protection Act, as amended.

3.  The President and CEO of the Board of Regents will be notified, in writing by the University's Vice President and General Counsel, of any activities or practices involving weapons that are approved by the University.

4.  University faculty and staff are prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon while on the premises of the University or while engaged in the duties of the faculty or staff member's employment with the University.

5.  It is a misdemeanor to carry a concealed weapon on University property or in any University facility where prohibited by the Personal and Family Protection Act, as amended.

6.  This policy is intended to apply and cover buildings and land owned by the WSU Board of Trustees.

Implementation: 
This policy shall be included in the WSU Policies and Procedures Manual and shared with appropriate constituencies of the University. 

The Vice President for Administration and Finance shall have primary responsibilty for publication, dissemination and implementation of this University policy.

Effective Date: 
August 25, 2006

Revision Date:
July 14, 2007
May 5, 2008
July 14, 2008

(Students should also see the Student Code of Conduct at Section 8.05 of this manual.  Employees should also see Carrying Concealed Weapons by Employees at Section 3.26 of this manual.)