Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents

 

Weapons, Firearms, Ammunition, Fireworks, and Explosives and Dangerous Chemicals

3.09

  1. Purpose 

    The students, faculty and staff of an institution can best learn, work and live in an environment free from the dangers and constraints, both physical and psychological, which can arise from the unauthorized presence or use of weapons, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives and dangerous chemicals on the campus. Similar items used for decorative purposes when rendered inoperable and safe are not included in this Policy, but are subject to appropriate supervisory regulation.  It is the Policy of the Board that each institution under the governance of the Board strictly regulate the possession or use of any of these items on campus, in institutional vehicles or on institution-sponsored trips.  To achieve this Policy, each institution is directed to adopt institutional policies in conformity with this Board Policy.  Such institutional policies shall particularly identify those areas considered to constitute the campus of the institution and shall identify which institutional officials may act as designees of the President for the purpose of the institutional policy. 

  2. Definitions

    1. “Campus” shall include such real property, buildings or other structures or improvements owned or controlled by an institution and identified by the institution as being regulated under the institution’s weapons policy.  For purposes of this Policy, an institution may define which portions of real property, buildings, other structures or improvements owned or controlled by institutions will constitute its Campus.  Such a definition shall have no bearing or effect on any other Board or institutional policy.
    2. “Firearm” shall mean any device capable of discharging a projectile by gunpowder, gas or other means of propulsion. By way of example and without limitation, firearms shall include shotguns, rifles, handguns, or any gun which is capable of discharging a projectile composed of any material which may reasonably be expected to be able to cause serious injury or death and other similar devices.
    3. “Weapon” shall mean any object designed to inflict injury or harm if used in a threatening, aggressive or careless manner. By way of example and without limitation, weapons shall include pellet guns, BB guns, flare guns, airsoft-type guns, archery equipment, slingshots, martial arts devices, clubs, blackjacks, loaded canes, batons, hand chains, metal knuckles, swords, bayonets, daggers, bowie knives, switchblade knives, spring-type knives and knives having a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a spring, button or other device in the handle of the knife. Weapons do not include devices used solely for defensive purposes, such as tasers, pepper spray, mace and electronic control devices, and do not include common pocket or kitchen knives and other similar devices
    4. “Fireworks” shall mean any combustible or explosive composition, or any substance or combination of substances, or article, prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, explosion or detonation. By way of example and without limitation, fireworks shall include firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles and other similar devices whether commercially produced or homemade.
    5. “Ammunition” shall mean any device that contains gunpowder and/or any other substance designed to propel a projectile and intended for use in a firearm.
    6. “Explosives and Dangerous Chemicals” shall mean any substance whose chemical properties make them inherently dangerous. By way of example and without limitation, explosives and dangerous chemicals shall include dynamite blasting caps, plastic explosives, detonating cords, flammable liquids and solvents such as gasoline, kerosene and propane, and any other combination of compounds/chemicals when packaged or kept in a manner designed to or likely to produce an explosive or flammable effect. Nothing contained in this Policy shall be deemed to prohibit the use of chemicals in the normal conduct of classes or facilities maintenance functions or in the operation of equipment or motor vehicles.
    7. “Certified Police” or “Peace Officer” shall include those persons employed by municipal, county, state, national or state authorized agencies who comply with the statutory requirements for certification as a police or peace officer

  3. Policy

    Except as expressly provided in this Policy, no person is allowed to possess, display or use Firearms, Weapons, Ammunition, Fireworks or Explosives and Dangerous Chemicals on Campus at any time.

  4. Procedures and Exceptions

    1. Certified Police and Peace Officers on campus may possess Firearms as allowed by state law.  In such instances, the Certified Police or Peace Officers are encouraged to coordinate their efforts with the respective campus police agency or other designated office.
    2. State licensed armed security personnel and private investigators, in their official performance of official duties, may carry Firearms and Weapons as authorized by state law.
    3. Certain classes and activities both on campus and off involve the use of Weapons, Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives and Dangerous Chemicals or Fireworks. Authorization and conditions for these classes and activities and other appropriate exceptions will be given in writing by the President of the institution or designee.  When exceptions are granted, persons will be allowed to possess appropriate items for the activity.
    4. When hunting is allowed on an institution’s land, persons with express written permission will be allowed to possess appropriate weapons for the hunt.
    5. Individuals in possession of a valid handgun license issued pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act may be in possession of a handgun on any Campus property set aside for the use or parking of a vehicle, whether attended or unattended, provided the handgun is carried or stored as required by law and the handgun is not removed from the vehicle without the prior consent of the institutional President while the vehicle is on any Campus property.
      1. Individuals in possession of a valid handgun license issued pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act may be in possession of a handgun on any Campus property authorized for possession or use of handguns by institutional policy.
      2. Individuals in possession of a valid handgun license issued pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act may be in possession of a handgun on Campus property authorized by the prior written consent of the institutional President, provided the written consent is carried with the handgun and the valid handgun license while on Campus property.

        Amended Date: 
        June 22, 2018