Title: Possession and Use of Weapons
Number: BP 5.02
Adopted: October 2011
Reviewed: September 2020
Revised: November 2015
This policy is part of the College’s commitment to provide a safe working and learning environment for all members of the College community including visitors. To that end, the College exercises its rights to prohibit the possession of weapons as allowed under Wisconsin State Law.
Definitions
“College buildings” include all buildings that the College owns, leases, occupies or controls, whether on a temporary or permanent basis.
“Special events” means an event that is open to the public, is for a duration of not more than three (3) weeks, and either has designated entrances to and from the event that are locked when the event is closed, or requires admission. [943.13(1e)(h)]
“Weapons” means any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm, any electric weapon, as defined in [941.295(4)]; or any other device or instrumentality which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm.
“Illegal weapons” means items that are illegal to possess as defined by Wisconsin State Statutes. These include the following:
- switch blade knives (941.24)
- short barreled shotguns and rifles (941.28)
- machine guns (941.27)
- firearm silencers (941.298)
- teargas, mace or similar substances except for pepper spray [941.26(1)(b)]
Illegal Weapons
The use, concealment, creation, manufacture, or possession of illegal weapons on any College grounds, facilities, College buildings, or at College sponsored functions held on public or private property is strictly prohibited.
Weapons in College Buildings and College Vehicles
The use, concealment, creation, manufacture, or possession of weapons in College buildings and College vehicles is strictly prohibited.
Prohibition of Weapons at Special Events
The use, concealment, creation, manufacture, or possession of weapons at special events is strictly prohibited.
Possession of Weapons by Employees
Employees are prohibited from possessing weapons while acting as an employee, except while in their own personal vehicle as allowed under Wisconsin State Statute.
Storage of Weapons in Unattended Vehicles on Campus Grounds
Weapons which are left unattended in vehicles in parking lots controlled by the College should be out of sight in a locked car:
- unloaded and encased: or
- in a locked gun rack.
Certain Individuals Prohibited from Possessing Weapons
Individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms and/or other weapons by Local, State, or Federal laws or by a court order are strictly prohibited from possessing said weapons (as defined in the applicable law and/or court order) on any College grounds, facilities, or College buildings, or at College sponsored functions held on public or private property. This applies even if the individual is participating in a College sponsored course or program that has a component of the instruction authorizing the use of weapons.
Compliance with Applicable Laws
Individuals who are in possession of weapons in areas not prohibited must comply with applicable Local, State, and Federal laws.
Possession of Weapons at Non-College Controlled Locations
Employees and students must adhere to all applicable Local, State, and Federal laws, and all applicable policy and procedures of other entities related to the possession of weapons of any other employer or property owner at any alternative site.
Exceptions
The general prohibitions above do not apply to:
- sworn law enforcement officers, whether on or off duty;
- members of the armed forces on active duty;
- instructors and students for training purposes, consistent with specific program practices and procedures, when authorized;
- individuals authorized by the College President or designee.
Right to Search
The College reserves the right to search employee desks, lockers, and any other work areas. Law enforcement will be engaged for individuals believed to be in violation of this policy.
Violation of this Policy
Any and all students, employees or guests who are found to be in violation of this policy will be referred to campus security and/or local law enforcement authorities.
Security staff will notify the Director of Risk, Compliance, and Security/Title IX Coordinator and/or the Emergency Response Team of the reported incident immediately.
Violators may be banned from any College grounds, facilities, or College buildings, or at College sponsored functions held on public or private property.
Any student or employee involved in a violation of this policy will be subject to the College’s disciplinary procedures up to and including termination of employment or expulsion from the College.
The State of Wisconsin revised or amended statutes may supersede this policy and the current laws shall be adhered to at that time.