Possession, concealed or otherwise, use or storage of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals or other dangerous weapons or the brandishing of any weapon or any other object in a menacing or threatening manner is strictly prohibited on any property owned, leased, operated, or controlled by Western Kentucky University.

Possession of a concealed weapon shall be considered a violation of this policy regardless of whether any state or federal permit to carry such a weapon has been issued to the individual possessing such weapon.

Any property owned, leased, operated, or controlled by Western Kentucky University includes University housing, University parking areas and private vehicles parked or operated either on campus or at any off-campus facility owned, leased, or operated by the University.

EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY

This policy shall not apply to the following:

1. Police officers directly and currently employed by a city, county, state, or the Federal Government. Such officers must carry appropriate identification at all times and must produce identification upon request of University officials or law enforcement officers. Nothing herein shall be construed as granting a general exception for retired or former law enforcement officers.
2. ROTC equipment and chemicals retained, owned, and controlled by the University as part of the education program or curriculum of the University.

The University's Director of Public Safety may grant other exceptions to this policy in writing for the convenience of the University, at his sole discretion.

An individual may request an exception to this policy. A request for exception must be made in writing to the Director of Public Safety prior to the weapon being possessed or stored as stated herein. Any exception to this policy must be in writing with signature approval of the Director of Public Safety and will be allowed only if it is in the best interest of or for the convenience of the University.

All exceptions shall clearly identify the weapon, shall be granted for specified stated reasons and shall be for a limited duration, in no event longer than six (6) months.

The exception document and picture identification of the holder of the exception shall be carried and/or kept at all times with the weapon and must be produced immediately upon the request of the University officials or law enforcement officers. Failure to produce these documents shall constitute a violation of this policy.

SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATION

Any University faculty violating this policy shall be guilty of misconduct subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination or dismissal for cause from the University, under procedures of the University outlined in the Faculty Handbook.

Any University staff violating this policy shall be guilty of misconduct subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination, under procedures of the University outlined in the University’s Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

Any University student determined to have violated this policy is guilty of misconduct subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal/expulsion from the University, under procedures of the University outlined in Hilltoppics: A Handbook for University Life.

Any visitor violating this policy shall be subject to immediate removal from campus property and/or facilities, as defined herein, and any other remedies or rights available to the University under civil or criminal law.