| TOPIC: | Workplace Violence/No Weapons |
| EFFECTIVE DATE: | 30 May 2008 |
| Reviewed/Revised Date: |
1 December 2011 |
| Approved By: | Senior Staff |
| Policy Number: | 108 |
POLICY
Aurora University is committed to a working, learning and social environment which is free of violence and free of weapons. Understanding and mutual respect toward all members of the Aurora University community are intrinsic to excellence in teaching and learning, to the existence of a safe workplace, and to the maintenance of a campus culture and environment which serves the needs of its many constituencies.
Aurora University prohibits any violent act, threat of violence or any behavior which by intent, action, or outcome harms another person. Accordingly, possession of firearms, ammunition, and/or weapons of any kind is not allowed on campus, in residence halls or other buildings, or in any university vehicle unless authorized for law enforcement personnel.
The university has posted notices prohibiting firearms or other weapons on university property or in university buildings. It is an act of trespass for any individual or employee armed with an openly carried or concealed weapon to enter university property or buildings. This prohibition applies to employees and all individuals who are on university property or in university buildings for any reasons. Law enforcement personnel are exempted from this prohibition.
For the purpose of this policy, violence and threats of violence include, but are not limited to:
- Any act that is physically assaultive; or
- Any threat, behavior or action that is interpreted by a reasonable person to carry potential:
- To harm or endanger the safety of others;
- To result in an act of aggression; or
- To destroy or damage property.
For the purpose of this policy, weapons include, but are not limited to:
- Handguns or any firearm whether loaded or unloaded;
- Electric weapons (e.g. Tasers, stun guns);
- Any ligature or other instrumentality used on the throat, neck, nose or mouth of another person to impede, partially or completely, breathing or circulation of blood; or
- Any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm.
To fulfill this policy, the university will work to prevent violence from occurring through training, education, awareness and reporting and will ensure that federal and state laws, as well as university regulations prohibiting violence are enforced. Employees are required to report immediately to Human Resources any known or alleged threats of violence, including restraining orders and orders of protection, as these have the potential to affect the university community.
Any situation that poses an immediate danger to oneself or others must be reported to the police by dialing 911.
RELATED POLICIES
HR-100 Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Statement
HR-101 Anti-Harassment and Anti-Sexual Harassment
HR-102 Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace
HR-340 Leave of Absence – Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence
HR-606 Standards of Performance and Conduct
A-Book (Student Handbook)
Faculty Handbook
Please see Frequently Asked Questions, below. Additional questions regarding this policy should be directed to Human Resources.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) REGARDING FIREARMS AND DANGEROUS WEAPONS
Q1: What is the difference between firearms, guns, dangerous weapons, and concealed carry weapons?
"Firearm" is defined as a weapon that acts by force of gunpowder. "Gun" is the same as firearm.
"Dangerous weapon" is defined as any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm; any ligature or other instrumentality used on the throat, neck, nose or mouth of another person to impede, partially or completely, breathing or circulation of blood; any electric weapon; or any other device or instrumentality which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm.
"Concealed Carry Weapons" or "CCWs" are those weapons that an individual who is licensed by his/her resident state may carry in a concealed fashion, except as prohibited in certain locations. At the present time, Wisconsin has a Concealed Carry law, Illinois prohibits concealed carry. CCWs are: a handgun, electric weapon, a knife other than a switchblade knife, or a billy club. Aurora University's use of different terms in the Aurora University Policy on Firearms and Dangerous Weapons is intentional. See also the chart attached to these FAQs for further explanation on the different treatment of firearms and dangerous weapons.
Q1a: Who is a concealed carry licensee or "Licensee"?
A "Licensee" is an individual holding a valid license to carry a concealed carry weapon issued in Wisconsin, or an individual who is not a resident of Wisconsin, who is 21 years or over and who holds a valid license to carry a concealed carry weapon in another state. An individual can only be a "licensee" in Wisconsin, as Illinois does not permit concealed carry.
Q1b: What weapons are Licensee's permitted to carry?
A handgun, electric weapon, a knife other than a switchblade knife, or a billy club.
Q2: Where are firearms (guns) prohibited?
Firearms are prohibited in Aurora University buildings, or portions of buildings owned, occupied, or controlled by Aurora University, including residence halls, and at special events (see Q9 below).
Firearms are also prohibited outside of Aurora University buildings on all Aurora University grounds, except for a handgun carried in a concealed manner by a Licensee, and except in personal vehicles. All employees, including those who are Licensees, are barred from carrying firearms while in the course of performing duties for Aurora University, on or off campus, except in personal vehicles.
Q3: Where are dangerous weapons prohibited?
Dangerous weapons are prohibited in Aurora University buildings, or portions of buildings owned, occupied, or controlled by Aurora University, including residence halls, and at special events (see response to Q91 below). Dangerous weapons are also prohibited outside Aurora University buildings on Aurora University grounds, except for CCWs that are carried in a concealed manner by a Licensee, and except in personal vehicles. All employees, including those who are Licensees, are barred from carrying dangerous weapons while in the course of performing duties for Aurora University, on or off campus, except in personal vehicles.
Q4: Can students bring firearms or dangerous weapons to class?
No, as long as the class is held in a building owned, occupied, or controlled by Aurora University.
Q5: Can instructors or faculty bring firearms or dangerous weapons to class?
No. Aurora University employees are subject to the same bans on firearms and dangerous weapons that apply to all other individuals in Aurora University buildings. In addition, employees are barred from carrying firearms and dangerous weapons while in the course of performing duties for Aurora University, on or off campus, except that any individual may store firearms or dangerous weapons in their personal vehicles.
Q6: Can student residents or visitors or employees bring firearms or dangerous weapons into the residence halls?
No. Student residents, visitors, and employees may not bring firearms or dangerous weapons into residence halls that are owned, occupied, or controlled by Aurora University; violations can result in contract terminations or other discipline.
Q7: Can employees or students have firearms or dangerous weapons in their personal vehicles?
Under Wisconsin law, Aurora University does not ban firearms or dangerous weapons in personal vehicles. Aurora University follows Illinois law for all locations in Illinois.
Q8: Can employees, students, or visitors possess firearms or dangerous weapons in Aurora University owned or operated vehicles?
No. Employees, students and visitors may not possess firearms or dangerous weapons in any Aurora University owned or operated vehicle.
Q9: Can employees, students, or visitors bring firearms or dangerous weapons to Aurora University special events?
No, except in vehicles driven or parked in a parking facility. A "special event" is an event that is open to the public, indoor or outdoor, is for a duration of not more than 3 weeks, and either has designated entrances to or from the event that are locked when the event is closed or requires an admission.
Q10: If I need to bring a firearm or dangerous weapon into a campus building for a specific Aurora University purpose (e.g. a theatre event involving use of an unloaded weapon, or a research project), can I get special permission to do so?
Special requests should be directed to the Aurora University Director of Campus Public Safety, who will forward the request along with his or her recommendation to the President or President's designee. Such permission must be obtained from the President or President's designee in writing and in advance.
Q11: Do the prohibitions apply to law enforcement?
No. Sworn law enforcement officers, including Aurora University sworn police officers, are exempt from the prohibitions.
Q12: Can I get special permission to bring a firearm or dangerous weapon to Aurora University if I am licensed and have had appropriate training?
No. Exceptions will not be made on this basis.
Q13: Will signs be posted explaining the prohibitions?
Yes. Prior to the effective date of the new law, Aurora University will conspicuously post signs stating the prohibitions at the entrances to all Aurora University buildings, as well as on the grounds.
Q14: Are stun guns or Tasers permitted on campus?
Stun guns and Tasers are both electric weapons that are considered to be within the definition of "dangerous weapons." They thus are prohibited in Aurora University buildings, or portions of buildings owned, occupied, or controlled by Aurora University, including residence halls, and at special events (see response to Q9 above). They also are prohibited outside Aurora University buildings on Aurora University grounds except when carried in a concealed manner by a Licensee, and except in personal vehicles. All employees, including those who are Licensees, are barred from carrying stun guns and Tasers while in the course of performing duties for Aurora University, on or off campus, except in personal vehicles. Law enforcement is not subject to the prohibitions on electric weapons.
Q15: Is pepper spray permitted on campus?
Pepper spray that is lawful in Illinois or Wisconsin is not considered to be a dangerous weapon. As long as it is not misused, it may be carried on campus by employees, students, and visitors. For more information about lawful pepper spray in Illinois or Wisconsin, see the information published by the Director of Illinois State Police at http://www.isp.state.il.us/docs/ptfire.pdf or Wisconsin's Bureau of Consumer Protection at: http://ww2.wisconsin.gov/san/agency/upload/doa/consumer/pepsp157.pdf.
