Weapons and firearms have historically been barred from the University campus since they represent a threat to good order and an environment conducive to the pursuit of academic endeavors. Morehead State University recently established a policy dealing with persons carrying unauthorized weapons and destructive devices.
Possession or storage of a deadly weapon, destructive device or fireworks in any form is prohibited on any Morehead State University campus or in any facility owned, leased, or operated by the university. This includes university housing, university parking areas, and private vehicles parked or operated either on campus or at any off-campus facility owned, leased, or operated by the university. This policy applies to all persons, including faculty, staff, students, spouses, dependents, and visitors.
This policy shall not apply to police officers or federal agents authorized to carry weapons by their governmental agency. This policy also shall not apply to ROTC equipment and university weapons used for marksmanship competition. The Chief of Police may grant exceptions to this policy in writing for the convenience of the university.
"Deadly weapon" as defined by Kentucky Statute and applied in this policy is:
- any weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or serious physical injury, may be discharged;
- any knife other than a normal pocket or hunting knife;
- billy, nightstick, or club;
- blackjack or slapjack;
- nunchaku karate stick;
- shuriken or death star; and
- artificial knuckles made from metal, plastic, or hard material.
[Reference: KRS 500.080 (4)]
A “destructive device” means any explosive, incendiary or poison gas bomb, grenade, mine, rocket, missile, or similar device, including the unassembled components from which such a device can be made.
[Reference: KRS 237.030(1)]
Any University faculty, staff, or student determined to have violated this policy is guilty of misconduct and subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or dismissal from the University. Disciplinary action shall be in accordance with the Personnel Policy Manual or The Student Conduct Code, as appropriate. Visitors will be directed to remove the weapon from University property immediately. In either case, criminal charges may be filed as appropriate.
