Weapons Prohibition Policy
1. Definitions.
For purposes of this policy, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:
“Lawful firearm carrier” means a person who has been issued a valid license to carry a concealed handgun under federal law (including the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, 18 U.S.C. 926B-926C) or the laws of the State of Ohio, or who qualifies as a “qualifying adult” as defined in Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.) § 2923.111, or who is otherwise legally permitted to carry a concealed handgun under applicable law.
“University” means The University of Findlay, an Ohio nonprofit corporation.
“University Property” means all land, buildings, facilities, grounds, parking areas, and other real property owned, leased, operated, or controlled by the University.
“Weapons” means any device or substance that is designed, used, or in the context in which it is possessed, reasonably likely to be used to cause bodily harm or property damage and shall include, but is not limited to, firearms, defined as any gun, rifle, pistol, or handgun, or any device designed to fire bullets, BBs, pellets, or shot (including paintballs) or other projectiles, regardless of the propellant used; tasers and stun guns; martial arts weapons; bows and arrows of any type; swords, daggers, machetes, and other bladed weapons; brass knuckles; slingshots; explosives or incendiary devices; and any chemical substance intended to cause harm to another person and unrelated to a legitimate University academic, research, or operational purpose. “Weapons” does not include pocket knives or kitchen utensils when possessed and used solely for their ordinary and intended purposes and not to cause bodily harm or property damage.
2. Prohibition on Weapons.
The possession, manufacture, transfer, storage, presence, sale, display, or use of Weapons by any person on University Property, in a University-owned or leased vehicle, at any University event, or while engaged in University business at any location, including University-sponsored social events or travel, without the prior written authorization of the University, is expressly prohibited, except as set forth herein. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the possessor qualifies as a Lawful Firearm Carrier. Each person subject to this policy is responsible for confirming that any item brought onto University Property is not prohibited under this policy prior to bringing it onto University Property.
3. Exceptions.
This prohibition applies to all employees, students, and campus visitors, including those who are Lawful Firearm Carriers, except for the following individuals:
a. Authorized law enforcement officers or authorized military personnel, acting on behalf of and within the scope of their official duties, provided they are legally permitted to possess firearms in the State of Ohio.
b. Individuals granted prior written authorization to possess Weapons by the Chief of The University of Findlay Campus Police; provided they are legally permitted to possess Weapons in the State of Ohio and only to the extent that such possession is necessary as a part of an academic, research, or work-related activity. Such authorizations will be confirmed by the Associate Vice President for Student Life, and approved by the University President, or their designee, before going into effect.
c. Individuals storing firearms in their privately owned vehicle, provided that: (1) the individual is a Lawful Firearm Carrier; (2) the vehicle is otherwise permitted on University Property; and (3) the individual is either physically present inside the vehicle or the firearm(s) and all accessories are locked in the vehicle’s trunk, glove box, or other enclosed container or compartment. This prohibition also does not apply to a Lawful Firearm Carrier who is in the immediate process of placing a firearm into, or retrieving a firearm from, a locked motor vehicle. Individuals to whom this exception applies shall present any applicable license or military identification to The University of Findlay Campus Police Department upon request, to the extent required by applicable law. No Weapons are permitted in University-owned or University-leased vehicles at any time.
d. Individuals carrying mace or other defensive spray for personal protection on University Property, provided such device is possessed and used solely for lawful self-defense purposes and in accordance with applicable law.
4. Notice. The University will post conspicuous signage prohibiting firearms in those areas and in the manner required by O.R.C. 2923.126, 2923.1212, and other applicable law. The absence of signage in any location does not limit the applicability of this policy.
5. Reservation of Authority. The University reserves the right to regulate the possession, storage, and use of firearms on University Property to the fullest extent permitted by law, including O.R.C. 2923.111 and 2923.126. Nothing in this policy is intended to conflict with applicable federal or Ohio law, and this policy will be construed and enforced consistently with such law.
6. Reporting. Any member of the University community who believes an individual is violating this policy should immediately report this information to University of Findlay Campus Police. Likewise, any member of the University community who observes unattended items they reasonably believe to be Weapons should also immediately contact University of Findlay Campus Police with a description and location of these items. If a University employee observes or reasonably believes any instances of violence or threats of violence have occurred, he or she should report to the employee’s supervisor and the Office of Human Resources after reporting to University of Findlay Campus Police. Any person who makes a good faith report pursuant to this policy, including employees, students, campus visitors, and other third parties, will not be subject to retaliation.
All reports will be fully investigated. Local law enforcement may be contacted and the University and any employees or students with knowledge of the report shall cooperate with University officials during any internal investigation, subject to their legal rights. Employees and students are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement authorities, subject to their legal rights. The University reserves the right to search and inspect property and persons while on University Property or while engaged in University business off premises, to the extent permitted by applicable law.
7. Disciplinary Action for Weapons Possession. If an employee or student is reasonably believed to be in possession of a Weapon on campus in violation of this policy, the employee may be immediately suspended with or without pay pending investigation, in accordance with applicable law, and the student may be immediately suspended and removed from campus pending investigation, in each case subject to applicable due-process and collective-bargaining requirements. If the University determines that an employee or student has violated this policy, such violation will result in disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal or expulsion, at the discretion of the University and in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures. Additionally, any campus visitor, contractor, or other non-affiliated individual who violates this policy may be immediately removed from University Property, prohibited from returning to campus, and referred to law enforcement, as the University deems appropriate.