Weapons On Campus Property
Felony: State Law prescribes a maximum penalty of six (6) years imprisonment and a fine not to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000) for carrying weapons on school property.
Unless otherwise permitted under applicable local, state, or federal law, the possession and/or use of weapons is strictly prohibited:
- On University property, unless otherwise permitted under Tennessee Code Annotated 39-17-1313.
- In any University building unless otherwise permitted by this policy.
- In a University-owned, rented, or leased vehicle.
- While participating in any King University-sponsored activities.
A weapon is defined as, but not limited to: firearms, ammunition, knives with a blade length exceeding four inches (4”), air rifles, BB guns, or any weapon which is a reproduction of a firearm; box cutters, razors and razor blades, except those used solely for personal shaving; and any sharp pointed instrument, except unaltered nail files, clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction and maintenance.
It is an offense for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, with the intent to go armed, any firearm, explosive, explosive weapon, bowie knife, hawk bill knife, ice pick, dagger, slingshot, switchblade knife, blackjack, knuckles or any other weapon of like kind not included, but are not limited to, martial arts equipment; stun guns, paintball guns, slingshots, crossbows, bow and arrows; and items manufactured, altered, or used to cause another item to become a projectile or item used in a manner that caused the threat of or actual bodily harm. (i.e.) potato gun, etc.).
Note: Under Tennessee Code Annotated 39-17-1309(c)(1), students who are members of the reserve officers training corps or students enrolled in a course of instruction of members of a club or team who are required to carry arms of weapons in the discharge of their official class or team duties or exempted from this rule.
Note: Under Tennessee Code Annotated 39-17- 1313, the holder of a valid handgun permit recognized in Tennessee may transport and store a firearm or firearm ammunition in the permit holder’s privately owned motor vehicle while on or utilizing any public or private parking area if: (1) The permit holder’s vehicle is parked in a location where it is permitted to be, and (2) The firearm or ammunition being transported or stored in the vehicle, (A) Is kept from ordinary observation if the permit holder is in the motor vehicle: or (B) Is kept from ordinary observation and locked within the trunk, glove box, or interior of the person’s privately owned motor vehicle or a container securely affixed to such vehicle if the permit holder is not in the vehicle. This only applies to the legal carrying of a handgun; it does not permit the carrying of a rifle or shotgun on University property.
The carrying of a weapon on the institution’s property is a violation of King’s policy and state and federal law. Carrying a weapon on campus will result in campus discipline and the offender may be referred to local law enforcement for criminal charges.
For the purpose of personal self-defense, the carrying of one pocket-sized chemical device containing less than one ounce of chemical that is not ordinarily capable of lethal use or causing serious bodily injury but is intended to produce temporary physical discomfort through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air is not prohibited. However, a chemical device that is carried or used in any manner other than personal self-defense is considered a violation of the institution’s weapon policy. All members of the campus community should immediately report any weapons violation to Campus Security. “Chemical Device” means any aerosol container or other device that is capable of emitting Chloroacetophenone (CN), orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS), or oleoresin capsicum (OC), or any combination or derivative thereof, in a vapor or liquid form. Common names for such devices include, but are not limited to: pepper spray, mace, tear gas, OC, CS and CN.
Weapons used for educational purposes must be approved by the Director of Security, VP for Academic and Vice President for Business Operations. King students are responsible for guests who accompany them to campus. Nothing in this section shall apply to law enforcement officers and/or security officers approved by the institution in compliance with state and federal law. Any weapon used for instruction purposes must be checked in the Security Office before use in the classroom.