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Dangerous Weapons and Firearms Policy
Purpose
The University of West Alabama seeks to provide a safe learning environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The University is committed to the prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace, order, and safety; the enforcement of laws and ordinances, and the safety of the University community and visitors; and adopts this policy for possession of dangerous weapons and firearms on campus and at events.
Definitions
Campus - All property owned, leased, or controlled by the University and any affiliated buildings and outdoor premises, such as parking lots and other outdoor property.
Dangerous Weapon - Includes the following:
- Any device that shoots or delivers a bullet, BB, pellet, arrow, dart, flare, electrical charge, or other projectile, whether loaded or unloaded, including those devices powered by CO2.
- Any explosive device, including fireworks.
- Any instruments/devices that are designed or may be used as a weapon to injure or threaten another individual, including, but not limited to, non-culinary knives with a blade greater than four (4) inches.
- A firearm, as defined herein, is not included in this definition of dangerous weapon.
Firearm - A pistol, handgun, rifle, or shotgun and any associated ammunition.
Policy
Except as otherwise stated in this policy or as otherwise allowed by law, the University prohibits the possession, transportation, and use of firearms and other dangerous weapons on campus. This policy applies to all persons on campus, including faculty, staff, students, contractors, and visitors.
Dangerous weapons are not allowed on campus at any time. Any dangerous weapons may be confiscated.
Faculty, staff, and students may not possess firearms on campus or while otherwise engaged in duties associated with their education/employment, except for a firearm properly maintained in a personal vehicle in a manner consistent with Alabama law.
Consistent with Alabama law, all persons are strictly prohibited from possessing firearms at locations where guards and other security features are employed, such as athletic events.
This policy will be published in the Handbook for Faculty and Staff and the UWA Student Handbook, and supersedes any contrary provisions.
Enforcement
Persons on campus and in violation of University policy are trespassers and may be dealt with accordingly, including, but not limited to, being removed from campus and receiving a written directive to remain off campus. Contractors and vendors are expected to comply with policy and contract terms. Violations of Alabama law may be dealt with by appropriate law enforcement. Student violations may be addressed in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct as well as other applicable policies and may include sanctions, up to and including expulsion. Employee violations may be resolved in accordance with employer policies, up to and including termination.
Exceptions
This policy does not prohibit use or possession of dangerous weapons or firearms by (1) certified law enforcement officers acting within the scope of their employment; (2) private security, who with express prior permission of University Police, possess firearms or dangerous weapons while in the employ of the University or for a permitted event; and (3) members, coaches, and authorized staff of a recognized team or course who are acting within the scope of activities that University Police has pre-approved. This Policy also does not apply to University Police officers who are attending classes as students. If, however, University Police officers are not in uniform during class, they must keep their weapons concealed. Any other use or possession of dangerous weapons or firearms on campus must be authorized by University Police.
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