06-01.11 – Weapons Prohibited

  1. Policy Statement:

    Towson University prohibits the possession or control of any weapon while on university property. 

  2. Reason for Policy:

    To promote a safe and secure campus, Towson University limits weapons on campus. 

  3. Definitions:

    The term “weapon” includes any potentially dangerous object or substance including, but not limited to, any firearm (including any weapon or instrument from which a shot, projectile, or other object may be discharged by force, whether operable or inoperable, loaded or unloaded); any BB gun, pellet gun, air rifle, paint gun, or any replica firearm, sword (including decorative), or other martial arts weapon; any bomb (or other explosive material), knife (other than an ordinary pocketknife carried in a closed position, with a blade of three inches or less), switchblade, billy club, nunchaku, blackjack, bludgeon, metal knuckles, slingshot, razor, or ice pick; illegal or potentially dangerous chemicals, fireworks, or any instrument, which by its nature or circumstances present may be reasonably construed as a weapon.

    1. “Nunchakus” are a pair of hardwood sticks joined by a chain or cord and used as a weapon. 

    2. “Replica Firearm” means any firearm made to look like or resemble a real gun. 

    3. “Billy club” is a short wooden club. 

    4. “Paint Gun” / “Air soft Gun” are devices known as paint ball gun or any air powered weapon. 

    5. “University Property” means property owned, leased or under the control of Towson University. 

  4. Responsible Executive and Office:

    Responsible Executive:
    Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Fiscal Officer

    Responsible Office:
    University Police Department

  5. Entities Affected by this Policy:

    All divisions, colleges, departments and operating units. Students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors. 

  6. Procedures: 

    1. To Obtain an Exception 

      1. Weapons used by these groups are granted an exception to this policy: 

        1. Sworn peace officers of Towson University. 

        2. Sworn peace officers employed by other public agencies that are authorized to wear, carry or transport the weapon as part of their official equipment.* 

        3. People carrying OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray for self defense purposes. 

        4. Any university sponsored classes (e. g. fencing) whereby any of the above weapons would be used for instructional purposes. 

      2. These groups may request an exception by contacting the University Police Department: 

        1. Members of the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) using weapons in accordance with national ROTC standards, and/or training. 

        2. Groups using weapons as theatrical props. 

        3. Security officers hired through security contracts, including off-duty police and/or others permitted by law to carry a firearm. 

        4. Campus Recreation Services sanctioned/sponsored programs, events, and Sport Clubs such as Martial Arts club, where such items are maintained, stored, and monitored by the department staff, and are used in a controlled, monitored environment. 

    2. To Report a Violation

      Contact the University Police Department. 

    3. Failure to Comply

      Any member of the university community who violates this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the university and may also be subject to criminal prosecution.

* The university reserves the right to prohibit the possession of any firearm at any event on university property.

Related Policies:

None.

Approval Date: 12/13/2006

Effective Date: 12/15/2006

Approved By: President’s Council 10/16/2006

Signed By: President’s Council

How to Request the Policy PDF

This online version of the policy may include updated links and names of departments. To request a PDF of the original, signed version of this policy, email the Office of the General Counsel, .