Weapons on Campus
The presence of weapons on campus poses an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of the community. Firearms, weapons, or explosives of any kind shall not be allowed on any Kirkwood Community College campus, or at any Kirkwood sponsored event.
This policy was created for the safety for students, faculty, staff, contractors, business partners, visitors, and all other members of the campus community, and applies to everyone.
Kirkwood’s Policy on Weapons on Campus
Weapons of any kind, whether carried open or concealed, shall not be allowed on any Kirkwood Community College property or at any Kirkwood sponsored event. This is regardless of the individual having a federal or state weapons permit.
Mace or pepper spray is allowable under the policy but may not be used or possessed in such a way that violates this or other college policies.
Any member of the campus community who observes an individual possessing, transferring, selling or using a weapon, and who reasonably believes that the individual has not been specifically authorized by Kirkwood has an obligation to report immediately to Campus Security, the suspected violation.
- Law Enforcement: This policy does not apply to law enforcement personnel or peace officers who are carrying the weapon in performance of their duties.
- Props: Due to the risk of being identified as a real weapon, any item which looks like a weapon in appearance and is utilized for any purpose on any Kirkwood campus, must be reported and approved by Public Safety prior to being used for any activity.
Individuals seeking an exception must submit in advance, a written request to Public Safety. Public Safety will review the request in consultation with other appropriate staff members and will respond to the request in writing.
Because the weapons may pose a clear risk to persons and property on the campus, violation of the regulations may result in disciplinary action from the college and/or prosecution under the appropriate state or federal laws.
Students in violation of the policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Faculty and staff violating this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Guests, visitors and contractors found in violation of this policy may be permanently prohibited from returning to campus for any reason.
Individuals found in possession of weapons in violation of this policy may be reported to local law enforcement for further criminal action in accordance with the appropriate local, state, and federal laws.
Kirkwood will also pursue disciplinary, or criminal action as appropriate against anyone who violates this policy by engaging in violence, threats of violence, or intimidation.
Weapons include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
- Firearm: Any device that shoots a bullet, pellet, flare, tranquilizer, spear, dart, or other projectile, whether loaded or unloaded. This includes but is not limited to, guns, air guns, dart guns, pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, cannons, and any ammunition for such devices.
- Weapon: Any device that is designed to, or traditionally used to inflict harm. This includes, but is not limited to firearms, slingshots, switchblades, daggers, bows and arrows, hand grenades, hunting knives, and explosives; any object that could reasonably construed as a weapon or that is intended to be used to inflict bodily injury; or any object legally controlled as a weapon or treated as a weapon by law.
- Explosives: Any combustible capable of causing serious injury including but not limited to firecrackers, black powder, dynamite, plastic explosives or blasting caps.