University of Maryland Policy on Weapons Prohibition on Campus

Except as may be expressly authorized under an exemption set forth herein, the University of Maryland, College Park (“University”) prohibits the carrying, wearing, possession, use or transportation of any Weapon on the University campus or other property owned, leased or otherwise under the control of the University. Without limiting the foregoing, and for the avoidance of doubt, the prohibition referenced herein extends to any Weapon brought onto, held or stored in (1) any personal vehicle located on, or traversing through, the University campus or other properties, and (2) any bus or other vehicle owned or operated by, or on behalf of, the University or the state of Maryland.

To promote the safety, security and well-being of its campus and community members, and to further protect personal and University or state of Maryland owned property, the University limits Weapons on its campus and other properties.

1. “Weapon(s)” includes any potentially dangerous object or substance including, but not limited to:
   1. 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;
   2. Any BB gun, pellet gun, air rifle, paint gun, “ghost” gun, 3-D gun, or any replica firearm, machete, sword (including decorative), or other martial arts weapon;
   3. Any bomb (or other explosive material);
   4. Any knife (other than an ordinary pocketknife carried in a closed position, with a blade of three inches or less), bowie knife, crossbow, switchblade, Billy club, nunchaku, blackjack, bludgeon, metal knuckles, slingshot, razor, or ice pick;
   5. Illegal or potentially dangerous chemicals, fireworks, or any other instrument, which by its nature or circumstances present may be reasonably construed as a weapon; or
   6. Any other weapon considered illegal by the state of Maryland.

1. The Responsible Executive is the Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer.
   Office of the Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
   2119 Thomas V. Miller, Jr. Administration Building
   7901 Regents Drive
   College Park MD 20742-5035
   Telephone: 301-405-1105
   Email: VPadmin@umd.edu 
    
2. The Responsible Office is the University of Maryland Police Department and Department of Public Safety.
   University of Maryland Police Department Headquarters
   Pocomoke Building
   7569 Baltimore Avenue
   College Park, MD 20742
   Telephone: 911 from campus telephones or 301-405-3333 for immediate police services; 301-405-3555 from any off-campus phone

Effective immediately, this Policy shall apply to all University students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors, and to all University divisions, colleges, departments and operating units. To the extent not inconsistent herewith, this Policy, or the application thereof, shall not affect the effectiveness or validity of (1) Section VII.D.1 of the University of Maryland Code of Student Conduct (V-1.00[B]), or (2) any Weapons related policies or procedures adopted by certain facilities on campus (e.g., athletics or sporting venues) and existing as of the date of this Policy.

1. Policy Exemptions
   1. The following are automatically exempted from this Policy:
      1. Sworn and active law enforcement or peace officers of the University in the regular course of their duties;
      2. Sworn and active law enforcement or peace officers employed by other public agencies that are authorized to carry, wear or transport the Weapon as part of their official equipment in the regular course of their duties;
      3. Any individual carrying OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray for self-defense purposes;
      4. Any University sponsored classes whereby any of the above Weapons would be used solely for instructional purposes; and
      5. Any member of a University intercollegiate athletics team, or other participant authorized to be on campus, for use of Weapons that are a part of, or required for, their respective sports (e.g., the Javelin in Track and Field) in connection with practices or events sanctioned by the University, the NCAA or other authorized organization.
   2. The following may request an exemption from the Policy to the University Police Department, which may or may not grant the requested exemption, in its sole discretion (and with any conditions as may be deemed appropriate):
      1. Members of the U.S. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) for use of Weapons in accordance with national ROTC standards and/or training;
      2. Individuals or groups for use of Weapons as part of authorized University displays, theatrical performances or research activities;
      3. Security officers hired by the University through security contracts, including off-duty police officers and/or others permitted by law to carry a firearm; and
      4. University sanctioned or sponsored events and programs, where the Weapons are maintained and stored by trained department staff, and used in a controlled and monitored environment.
2. Reporting Policy Violations
   
   All members of the University community and others are encouraged to report any suspected violations of this Policy. Suspected violations should be reported to the University Police Department at 301-405-3333 for immediate police services or 301-405-3555 in non-emergency situations. The University shall investigate any such reports and provide conclusions and recommendations to the applicable University department, office or unit.
3. Failure to Comply with Policy
   
   Anyone to whom this Policy applies, and who fails to comply with the same, shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action (up to and including dismissal or termination from the University), referral to applicable University offices (e.g., Office of Student Conduct) and/or administrative action, and may also be subject to potential arrest and criminal prosecution and other sanctions under the laws of the state of Maryland.
4. Precedence in the Event of Conflict
   
   Applicable local, state or federal laws and regulations shall take precedence and otherwise prevail in the event of conflict with this Policy.