5.8 Possession of Weapons

adopted: Mar-1996
last revised: May-2014

Possession of weapons on the College campus, on property controlled by the College, at events sponsored by the College, or at events attended while on College business is prohibited unless the individual is a duly authorized law enforcement official/officer in the performance of his/her duty. The College may request current/valid identification of said law enforcement capacity authorizing someone to possess a weapon and reserves the right to confirm the authorization with proper authorities. While the College recognizes that persons other than law enforcement personnel may be permitted to conceal and carry specified weapons under the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66) they are still strictly prohibited on campus. All weapons must be properly stored prior to entering any campus facility vehicle or event.

If a person is determined to pose a clear and present danger to himself, herself, or to others, a law enforcement official or school administrator shall notify the Illinois Department of State Police within 24 hours of making the determination that the person poses a clear and present danger.

A weapon is defined as any instrument or device designed or likely to produce bodily harm or property damage including but not limited to a firearm, dangerous chemical, an explosive device of any description, compressed air guns, pellet guns, BB guns, knives, stun guns, or electric shock devices, metal or brass knuckles, bow and arrows, swords, slingshots or any other item modified from its original purpose to be used as a weapon. The College reserves the right to further determine the definition of a “weapon” and may prohibit other devices on an individual basis.

Legal defensive devices, such as pepper sprays, etc. will be permitted, unless used in an offensive manner.

Any exceptions to this policy must be preapproved through the President’s Office.

Individuals who are found to be in violation of this policy are subject to disciplinary actions up to and including termination of employment, expulsion from the College, and/or being barred from College property.