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Lawrence Campus Implementation Procedures for the University-Wide Weapons Policy and the Kansas Board of Regents Weapons Possession Policy

Procedure
Purpose: 

To articulate procedures for implementing the University-Wide Weapons Policy and the Kansas Board of Regents Weapons Possession Policy

Applies to: 

All faculty, staff, students, visitors 

Campus: 
Edwards
Lawrence
Juniper Gardens
Parsons
Yoder
Topeka
Table of Contents: 
  1. Communication of Policy and Procedures
  2. Training
  3. Adequate Security Measures
  4. Safeguarding and Storage
  5. Handgun Discharge/Intimidation of Others
  6. Violation of Policy
  7. Reporting
Policy Statement: 

As further detailed in the University-Wide Weapons Policy, beginning on July 1, 2017, any individual who is 21 years of age or older, and beginning on July 1, 2021, any licensed individual who is 18-21 years of age, and who is not prohibited or disqualified by law and who is lawfully eligible to carry a concealed handgun in Kansas shall not be precluded from doing so on University campuses, including all facilities owned or leased by the University, except in buildings and public areas of buildings for which adequate security measures are provided or, if not an employee of the University, in buildings or areas of buildings with restricted access. Open carry of firearms and possession of weapons other than concealed handguns shall be prohibited on all University campuses, with limited exceptions.

I.     Communication of Policy and Procedures
The University shall widely distribute the University-Wide Weapons Policy and these Procedures to its faculty, staff, and students and shall prominently publish the University-Wide Weapons Policy and Procedures in the University’s Policy Library and on a webpage dedicated to the carrying of concealed handguns on University campus premises.

II.     Training
All faculty, staff, and students be will offered training concerning the University-Wide Weapons Policy and these Procedures. Training will address possession and storage of handguns, how to report a suspected violation of the University-Wide Weapons Policy and Procedures, how reports are investigated, the potential sanctions upon confirmation of violation of the University-Wide Weapons Policy or Procedures, and other topics relevant to the University-Wide Weapons Policy and Procedures.

The University will not conduct any training for faculty, staff, or students in the use of firearms, firearm safety, firearm cleaning and maintenance, firearm ownership or transfer of ownership, or any other topic not necessary for understanding and complying with the University-Wide Weapons Policy and Procedures. Interested faculty, staff, and students may visit the Kansas Concealed Carry Handgun Certified Instructors Directory to obtain information regarding regionally and locally available providers of such instruction. http://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/certified-instructor-directory.pdf

III.     Adequate Security Measures
The University may identify specific facilities and buildings on campus where adequate security measures may be employed to prevent access by anyone carrying a concealed weapon. These measures may be employed on an on-going basis (Permanent Adequate Security Measures) or on a temporary basis (Temporary Adequate Security Measures). In both cases, such adequate security measures are subject to approval by the Chancellor and the Board of Regents.

A. Permanent Adequate Security Measures
Certain facilities and buildings on the University’s Lawrence campus and its reporting units shall be subject to adequate security measures as defined by K.S.A. 75-7c20 and approved by the Kansas Board of Regents.

ALL WEAPONS, INCLUDING THE CONCEALED CARRY OF HANDGUNS, SHALL BE PROHIBITED IN THE FOLLOWING FACILITIES:

Athletic facilities during events with anticipated attendance of 5,000 individuals or greater (e.g. Allen Fieldhouse, Memorial Stadium).

B. Temporary Adequate Security Measures
Facilities and buildings on the University’s Lawrence campus and its reporting units may be designed as subject to temporary adequate security measures. Designation of facilities and buildings subject to temporary adequate security measures shall be determined by the Provost upon review of a written application form submitted to the Office of Public Safety and receipt of a recommendation for approval by the requesting University department or unit. Department or Unit applications will only be considered when received from deans of academic units, heads of administrative departments or members of senior administration.

Campus organizations, including student organizations recognized by the Student Involvement & Leadership Center, may submit to the Office of Public Safety an application completed by the group’s senior officer or University advisor. Any non-university organization conducting an event in campus venues must have a temporary adequate security measures application completed by the appropriate representative of the University organization affiliated with the event, or by the Provost. The application will then be forwarded to the Office of Public Safety for review.

C. Application Process for Temporary Adequate Security Measures
The designation of facility or building for temporary adequate security measures, for a finite period will be based on specifications of the policies of the Kansas Board of Regents and the University, and may include any or all of the following criteria:

1.The population present in the space (human or animal).

2.The vulnerability of the population present.

3.The intended activities or use of the space (e.g. academic, research, athletic, administrative).

4.The presence of chemicals, biological agents, explosive compounds, compressed gasses, or other hazardous material(s).

5.The location of data, materials or artifacts which are irreplaceable or replacement of which would be cost prohibitive


Each application for temporary adequate security measures (Application link) shall include:

1.Sponsoring unit information, including responsible administrator.

2.Rationale for establishing temporary adequate security measures.

3.Scheduled timing for pre-event, event, and post-event secured coverage.

4.Timeline required for installation and removal of equipment and signage.
 

An application for designation for temporary adequate security measures must be received by the Office of Public Safety not less than four (4) weeks prior to the intended implementation of the adequate security measures. Review by the Office of Public Safety will occur in a timely manner so as to allow response for implementation, application amendment, or appeal if the application is denied. The Office of Public Safety will review all such applications and forward them with recommendation as to approval or denial to the Provost or his/her designee for decision.

A denied application may be appealed to the Chancellor or his/her designee. The Chancellor has ultimate authority to determine whether any location should be subject to adequate security measures as well as the longevity of temporary adequate security measures at the University.

All, temporary adequate security measures will be reported to the Chancellor or his/her designee in order to ensure compliance with Board of Regents policy requiring that the University's annual security report to the Board of Regents include information regarding all instances in which adequate security measures were implemented on an as needed, temporary basis during the prior year and the reasons therefor.

D. Signage
Designated facilities and buildings with adequate security measures will have appropriate signage clearly and conspicuously designating such areas.​

IV.     Safeguarding and Storage

A. Safeguarding Concealed Handguns

Each individual who lawfully possesses a handgun on campus shall be wholly and solely responsible for carrying, storing, and using the handgun in a safe manner and in accordance with the law, these Procedures, the University-Wide Weapons Policy, and the Kansas Board of Regents Weapons Possession Policy. This responsibility includes the obligation to be in control of the handgun at all times and to keep it secure and concealed from view when not in use for purposes provided by law.

Every handgun carried by an individual must be secured in a holster that completely covers the trigger and the entire trigger guard area and that secures any external hammer in an un-cocked position through the use of a strap or by other means. Handguns with an external safety must be carried with the safety in the “on” position. The holster must have sufficient tension or grip on the handgun to retain it in the holster even when subjected to unexpected jostling. Semiautomatic handguns must be carried without a chambered round of ammunition. Revolvers must be carried with the hammer resting on an empty cylinder.

Nothing in these Procedures or the University-Wide Weapons Policy shall be interpreted to require individuals who lawfully possess a handgun to use it in defense of others.

B. Approved Handgun Storage
KU Lawrence and reporting campuses will not provide handgun storage devices Handguns may be stored in an individual's privately-owned or leased motor vehicle when the vehicle is locked and the handgun is stored in a location within the vehicle that is not visible outside the vehicle. The University assumes no responsibility for loss or theft of concealed handguns stored in University provided storage devices or in individuals' vehicles.

C. Prohibited Storage
It is prohibited for any person to store a handgun: (1) in any University classroom, lab, office, or facility, (2) in any University housing facility unless properly secured in a storage device that meets minimum industry standards for safe-keeping of handguns; (3) in any University locker or secured storage device that is not specifically provided for handgun storage; (3) in a purse, handbag, backpack, fanny pack, briefcase or similar location that is not within the carrier’s custody and control; (4) in a motor vehicle that is unlocked or when the handgun is visible from outside the vehicle; (5) any other location and under any circumstances except as permitted by these Procedures and by state and federal law.

V.     Handgun Discharge/Intimidation of Others
Individuals who carry concealed handguns are liable for any and all damage, injury, liability, loss, cost, or expense, directly or indirectly resulting from or arising out of discharge of their handgun or violation of these Procedures or the Weapons Policy. The discharge of a weapon intentionally or unintentionally may be grounds for disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.

No person shall use the fact or possibility that he or she is carrying a concealed weapon to intimidate another person, except when done in defense of self or others. 

VI.     Violation of Policy
Violation of the University-Wide Weapons Policy Violation, local ordinances, state statutes or federal regulations will be handled within the framework of current KU policies and procedures. (See Violation of Policy section in University of Kansas University-Wide Weapons Policy).

The determination of which sanction(s), if any, that will be imposed following a determination that the University-Wide Weapons Policy or these Procedures has been violated will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Sanctions up to and including expulsion or termination from the University may be imposed.

VII.     Reporting

A. Reporting Suspected Policy/Procedure Violations
If any person believes that an individual has violated the University-Wide Weapons Policy or these Procedures, he or she should immediately report the violation by calling 9-1-1 (for immediate threats) or the Office of Public Safety at (785) 864-5900.

B. Knowingly Making a False Report
Each report of a suspected policy violation must be made in good faith. The conclusion after an investigation of a report that there has been no policy violation does not mean, by itself, that the report was not made in good faith. Knowingly making a false report of a policy violation is prohibited and will be investigated through the same process as described within these Procedures for the investigation of a suspected policy violation, with appropriate sanctions being assessed upon determination that a false report was made.

C. Reporting Lost or Stolen Handguns
An individual whose concealed handgun is lost or stolen on campus must immediately report the loss or theft to the Office of Public Safety at (785) 864-5900.

Consequences: 

The determination of which sanction(s), if any, that will be imposed following a determination that the University-Wide Weapons Policy or these Procedures has been violated will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Sanctions up to and including expulsion or termination from the University may be imposed.

Contact: 

KU Public Safety Office
1501 Crestline Drive, Suite 120
Lawrence, KS 66045
785-864-5900
kupso@ku.edu

Office of the General Counsel
245 Strong Hall
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045
785-864-3276
gencoun@ku.edu

Approved by: 
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
Approved on: 
Monday, June 5, 2017
Effective on: 
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Review Cycle: 
Annual (As Needed)
Definitions: 

The term "weapons" includes, but is not limited to:

(1) Any object or device which will, is designed to, or may be readily converted to expel bullet, shot or shell by the action of an explosive or other propellant;

(2) any handgun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun or other firearm of any nature, including those that are concealed or openly carried;

(3) any BB gun, pellet gun, air/C'02 gun, law enforcement grade stun gun, blow gun, or devices designed to shoot electric darts (e.g. a Taser);

(4) any explosive, incendiary or poison gas (A) bomb, (B) mine, (C) grenade, (D) rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, or (E) missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than ¼ ounce;

(5) any incendiary or explosive material, liquid, solid or mixture equipped with a fuse, wick or other detonating device;

(6) any tear gas bomb or smoke bomb; however, personal self-defense items containing mace or pepper spray or civilian grade stun guns shall not be deemed to be a weapon for the purposes of this policy;

(7) any knife, commonly referred to as a switch-blade, which has a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife having a blade that opens or falls or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement;

(8) any straight-blade knife of four inches or more such as a dagger, dirk, dangerous knife or stiletto; except that an ordinary pocket knife or culinary knife designed for and used solely in the preparation or service of food shall not be construed to be a weapon for the purposes of this policy;

(9) any martial arts weapon such as nunchucks or throwing stars;

(10) any longbow, crossbow and arrows or other projectile that could cause serious harm to any person; or

(11) any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument of like character.

The term "handgun" means:

(1)A pistol or revolver which is designed to be fired by the use of a single hand and which is designed to fire or capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition; or

(2)any other weapon which will or is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive and which is designed to be fired by the use of a single hand.

The term "firearm" includes any handgun, rifle, shotgun, and any other weapon which will or is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.

The term "adequate security measures" means the use of electronic equipment and armed personnel at public entrances to detect and restrict the carrying of any weapons into the state or municipal building, including but not limited to, metal detectors, metal detector wands or any other equipment used for similar purposes to ensure that weapons are not permitted to be carried into such building by members of the public.

The term "building" means a state building owned or leased by such public entity.

The term "campus" means any building or grounds owned by the University or the Board of Regents and any building or grounds leased by the University or the Board of Regents for University use.

The term "restricted access" means a building or a facility that is restricted to the public and requires a key, keycard, code or similar device to allow entry to authorized personnel.

The term "open carry" means carrying a firearm visible to others.

The term "public area" means any portion of a University building that is open to and accessible by the public or which is otherwise designated as a public area by the Chancellor, the Provost of the Lawrence campuses or the Executive Vice Chancellor of the Medical Center campuses, or their designees.

The term "secured area" shall mean those areas of the University Police facilities that are not open or accessible to the public without approval or escort from University Police departmental personnel.

Keywords: 
Weapons, Policy, Board of Regents
Change History: 

08/23/2021: Updated procedure to include individuals 18-21 years of age.
06/22/2017: KU-L Implementing Procedures posted in conjunction with new University policy on Weapons - Effective July 1, 2017


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