Weapons/Firearms Policy
A. Statement of Policy.
Kenyon College (the “College”) strictly prohibits the possession or use of Weapons, as defined by this policy, on Campus by anyone except law-enforcement officials, armored car couriers, others specifically authorized by the College to support curricular or co-curricular programs (e.g., theatre stage weaponry, athletic fencing equipment), or other lawful activities. Concealed Handgun Licensees and Active Duty Service Members may store a handgun in a locked motor vehicle. The firearm and all of the ammunition must remain inside the person's privately owned motor vehicle while the person is physically present inside the motor vehicle, or each firearm and all of the ammunition must be locked within the trunk, glove box, or other enclosed compartment or container within or on the person's privately owned motor vehicle. The person’s vehicle must also be parked in an authorized location. The act of immediately placing a handgun in a locked motor vehicle will not be considered a violation of this policy.
B. Definitions.
“Active Duty Service Member” is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States who is carrying a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in section 2923.125(G)(1) of the Ohio Revised Code. Active Duty Service Members should contact the Director of the Office of Campus Safety at 740-427-5000 for a determination as to whether the training meets this requirement under this policy before storing a handgun in a car on campus.
“Concealed Handgun Licensee” is an individual who has been issued a current and valid concealed handgun license under section 2923.125 of the Ohio Revised Code or has a current and valid concealed handgun license issued by another state with which the Ohio Attorney General has entered into a reciprocity agreement under section 109.69 of the Ohio Revised Code. A list of states with reciprocity agreements is found at the Ohio Attorney General’s website: http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Law-Enforcement/Concealed-Carry/Concealed-Carry-Reciprocity-Agreements.
“Weapons” include, but are not limited to: firearms, explosives, or any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as blackjack, slingshot, billyclubs, sandclubs, sandbag, or metal knuckles (including replica or facsimile Weapons), paintball guns, tasers, toy weapons that could reasonably be mistaken for a firearm or explosive, or any other devices which could reasonably be mistaken for a firearm or explosive. This policy does not prohibit small quantity personal protection chemical spray devices (e.g., key chain sprays) intended for defensive purposes or tools possessed and used by employees in accordance with departmental policies.
“Possession” includes, but is not limited to: storage in offices, residential facilities, lockers, desks, briefcases, or personal vehicles parked on the College's property.
“Campus” includes all the lands and facilities of the College whether owned or leased, and whether located in the United States or abroad.
C. Applicability.
This policy applies to anyone on Campus, including the College's personnel, students, volunteers, vendors, independent contractors and visitors. It also applies to the College's personnel and students attending or participating in a College-sponsored activity off campus.
D. Sanctions for Use or Possession of Weapons.
Sanctions will be imposed in accordance with the procedures of the Student Handbook, Staff Policies and Procedures Manual, or Faculty Handbook, as appropriate.
1. Personnel.
With respect to the College's personnel (which includes faculty, staff and student staff, volunteers, vendors and independent contractors for the purpose of this policy), possession of weapons on campus or while attending or participating in a College-sponsored activity off campus is subject to corrective action, up to and including termination of employment, cancellation of any applicable contract and/or further legal action including, but not limited to, a trespass action, or a restraining order.
2. Students
With respect to students, possession of Weapons on campus or while attending or participating in a College-sponsored activity off campus is subject to sanctions up to and including dismissal and/or further legal action including, but not limited to, a trespass action, or a restraining order.
3. Visitors
With respect to visitors, possession of Weapons is subject to expulsion from Campus by Campus Safety and further legal action including, but not limited to, a trespass action, or a restraining order.
E. Reporting Concerns about Weapons, Violence, and Destruction of Property.
The College expects all members of and visitors to the campus community to help maintain safety and security at on campus and at College-sponsored activities off campus.
All persons who have knowledge of Weapons on campus have an obligation to report that knowledge promptly to the Director of Campus Safety or, in the Director's absence, an on-duty Campus Safety Officer.
All persons concerned about a situation that is potentially violent have an obligation to report that concern promptly to a Campus Safety Officer, to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, or to a supervisor.
All persons concerned about an imminent threat of violence or about the imminent destruction of property are strongly encouraged to report that concern immediately to the Office of Campus Safety at 740-427-5000 or to local police (911). The College prohibits retaliation against anyone who makes a good faith report.
F. Search.
In cases of suspected possession of Weapons by the College's students or personnel (which includes faculty, staff and student staff, volunteers, vendors or independent contractors for the purpose of this policy), the College reserves the right to search personal belongings on the College’s property, including, but not limited to, student residences, employee office/work spaces, vehicles, purses, briefcases, bags, and articles of clothing (jackets, coats, etc.).
All such searches must be approved in advance by the Vice President for Finance or the Director of Human Resources in the case of staff, or the Provost in the case of faculty, or the Vice President for Student Affairs or Dean of Student Development in the case of students. In the absence of the pertinent officer, the President may authorize the search.
The College may request the involvement of law enforcement officials in cases of suspected possession of Weapons and /or when a threat of violence appears imminent. Persons may be asked to leave campus or remain in the presence of Campus Safety personnel or Knox County Sheriff deputies until a search is conducted or until the situation is resolved safely and appropriately. Campus Safety staff may take into temporary custody, for safe-keeping, Weapons discovered in a search.
G. Contact information.
For further information about this policy, please contact the Office of Campus Safety at 740-427-5000.
Effective Date: March 2017