Background
Missouri’s Concealed Carry Law permits individuals to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun; however, a permit holder cannot carry a concealed firearm on to “any higher education institution or elementary or secondary school facility without the consent of the governing body” [R.S.Mo. 571.107.1(10)]. In addition, there continues to be a national awareness of the harmful and destructive potential of other weapons including any and all firearms, ammunition, explosives/incendiary devices, dangerous chemicals, hazardous materials, or flammable materials.
Policy
In the interest of maintaining a safe academic and employment environment free of violence and danger for all students, faculty, staff and visitors, Rockhurst University prohibits the possession, transportation, storage, or use of any and all weapons including firearms, ammunition, explosives/incendiary devices, dangerous chemicals, hazardous materials, or flammable materials on any University owned or leased property (including in motor vehicles) or at any University-sponsored function (regardless of whether or not the party has a permit to carry a concealed firearm). The policy applies to all University students, faculty, staff, contract employees, vendors, and visitors on University property or at any University-sponsored function. This policy does not apply to any law enforcement personnel engaging in official duties.
Definitions
“Any Rockhurst property” includes the main campus, all academic and administrative buildings, all Residence Life facilities, all recreational facilities, all parking areas, and any and all other property owned or leased by Rockhurst.
“Any and all weapons” includes without limitation any firearm, knife, or other agents/instruments (e.g. Explosives/incendiary devices, chemicals, hazardous materials, flammable materials, etc.) Capable of lethal use – whether in plain view or concealed, and whether with or without a concealed carry endorsement, permit, or license. Should anyone have a question regarding whether an item is covered by this policy, they should contact Security, Human Resources, or the Dean of Students Office.
“Explosives/incendiary devices” includes any and all devices capable of driving or bursting out with violence/noise or capable of causing destruction/injury – whether or not detonated or capable of being detonated on-site or from a remote location.
Reporting Obligations/Enforcement
If students, faculty, or staff believe another person covered by this policy possesses a concealed handgun or other weapons in violation of this policy, they must immediately report this information to the Security Department. Students, faculty and staff should be aware that the enforcement of this policy might involve confronting individuals carrying dangerous weapons. They should not take any unnecessary risks or compromise their safety in enforcing this policy.
Failure to abide by this policy, or to report knowledge of a possible violation of it, will subject a student or faculty/staff member to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, expulsion from the University (student), termination of the faculty/staff member (in accordance with Code of Conduct and Employee Handbook guidelines), and disclosure of the incident to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
The University reserves the right to search all personal and college-owned or leased vehicles, packages, containers, briefcases, purses, backpacks, lockers, desks, enclosures, offices, or other University owned/leased property for the purpose of determining whether any weapon has been brought onto its premises in violation of this policy. These searches will only be conducted in the event of probable cause or reasonable suspicion, and will be conducted in accordance with appropriate search procedures.
The President, President’s Staff, Deans, Department Chairs, Directors, and other managers/supervisors are responsible for assuring compliance with this policy. The Security Department, Office of Human Resources, and Dean of Students Office are jointly responsible for the administration of the policy.