30:10-1-14. Weapons, Firearms, Ammunition, Fireworks, Explosives, and Dangerous Chemicals

(a) Purpose

The students, faculty, and staff of an institution can best learn, work, and live in an environment free from the dangers and constraints, both physical and psychological, which can arise from the presence or use of weapons, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, and dangerous chemicals on the campus. It is therefore the policy of the institution to prohibit or strictly regulate the possession or use of any of these items on campus, in institution vehicles, or on institution—sponsored trips.

(b) Definitions

(1) Campus shall include any real property, buildings, or other structures or improvements owned or controlled by an institution.

(2) Firearm shall mean any device capable of discharging a projectile by gunpowder, gas, or other means of propulsion. By way of example and without limitation, firearms shall include shotguns, rifles, handguns, pellet guns, BB guns, flare guns, and other similar devices.

(3) weapon shall mean any object that could potentially inflict injury or harm if used in a threatening, aggressive, or careless manner. By way of example and without limitation, weapons shall include archery equipment, slingshots, martial arts devices, swords, bayonets, clubs, knives other than small pocket or kitchen knives, and other similar devices.

(4) Fireworks shall mean any combustible or explosive composition, or any substance or combination of substances, or article, prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, explosion, or detonation. By way of example and without limitation, fireworks shall include firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, and other similar devices.

(5) Ammunition shall mean any device which contains gunpowder or any other substance designed to propel a projectile and intended for use in a firearm.

(6) Explosives and Dangerous Chemicals shall mean any substance whose chemical properties make them inherently dangerous. By way of example and without limitation, explosives and dangerous chemicals shall include dynamite blasting caps, plastic explosives, and flammable liquids and solvents such as gasoline, kerosene, and propane. Nothing contained in this policy shall be deemed to prohibit the use of chemicals in the normal conduct of classes or facilities maintenance functions or in the operation of equipment or motor vehicles.

(7) Certified police or peace officer shall include those persons employed by municipal, county, state, or national agencies who comply with the statutory requirements for certification as a police or peace officer.

(c) Policy

Except as expressly provided in this policy, no person is allowed to possess, display, or use firearms, weapons, ammunition, or fireworks on campus at any time.

(d) Procedures and exceptions

(1) Police and peace officers employed by an institution and those who have been called to assist or to perform law enforcement duties on campus may possess or use firearms ammunition, or weapons in a manner consistent with professional standards which prevail in the State of Oklahoma.

(2) Police and peace officers, who in their official on—duty capacities and in the performance of their duties, find it necessary to come on campus may possess firearms. In all such instances, the officers must coordinate their efforts with the respective campus police agency or other designated office.

(3) Police and peace officers who have been invited to demonstrate or lecture to a class may carry a firearm ammunition, or weapon on campus. Institution employees responsible for extending these invitations should advise the campus police agency or other designated office concerning these visits.

(4) Police and peace officers who also are students shall not be permitted to possess or display firearms, ammunition, or weapons in class, but may store these items in the campus police agency or designated area or in other appropriate places approved by the President of the institution or a designee.

(5) Certain classes and activities both on campus and off involve the use of firearms, ammunition, dangerous chemicals, or fireworks. Authorization and conditions for these classes and activities and other appropriate exceptions will be given by the President of the institution or a designee.

(6) When hunting is allowed on an institution’s land, persons with express written permission will be allowed to possess appropriate weapons for the hunt.