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Weapons, Firearms, and Concealed Carry Policy

Ƶ is committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and educational environment for all students, employees, and visitors. In accordance with applicable federal law, including the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”), the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66), the Illinois Firearm Owners Identification Card Act (430 ILCS 65), and applicable City of Chicago ordinances, the university maintains a weapons-free and firearms-free campus.

This policy applies to:

  • All students, employees, faculty, staff, contractors, vendors, and visitors
  • All University-owned, leased, or controlled property
  • All University buildings, residence halls, and housing
  • All University vehicles
  • All University-sponsored programs, activities, and events, whether on or off campus.

Ƶ prohibits the possession, use, storage, display, or transfer of any weapon or firearm on University property or at University-sponsored activities, except as expressly permitted by law or this policy. This prohibition applies regardless of whether an individual holds a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card or Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL), except as specifically outlined below.

Firearms, including, but not limited to:

  • Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
  • Antique or inoperable firearms
  • BB guns, pellet guns, air guns, paintball guns, water guns
  • Replica or imitation firearms

Other weapons including, but not limited to:

  • Ammunition and explosive materials
  • Tasers and stun guns
  • Knives (except approved utensils or small folding knives under 4 inches used for lawful educational, occupational, culinary, or maintenance purposes)
  • Swords, daggers, machetes, hatchets
  • Clubs, batons, blackjacks, brass knuckles
  • Crossbows, bows, slingshots
  • Nunchucks, throwing stars, or similar devices
  • Any object used or intended to be used to cause bodily harm

Explosives and Incendiary Devices including, but not limited to:

  • Fireworks of any kind
  • Firecrackers, rockets, roman candles, cherry bombs
  • Explosive or combustible devices or materials

Common Objects Used as Weapons
Objects not typically classified as weapons may be considered prohibited if used, intended for use, or modified in a manner that could cause harm. Determinations will be based on:

  • Context of possession or use
  • Intent or behavior of the individual
  • Modification or concealment
  • Risk to health or safety

Consistent with the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act, individuals with a valid Illinois Concealed Carry License may transport and store firearms only within a locked, privately owned vehicle parked on University property.

Firearms must remain:

  • Out of plain view; and
  • Properly secured within the vehicle in accordance with Illinois law.

Firearms may not be carried into or removed from vehicles onto University property, including buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, or University-sponsored events.

This policy does not apply to:

  • Sworn law enforcement officers acting within official duties
  • Authorized on-duty security personnel
  • Other government personnel authorized by law
  • Retired law enforcement officers with valid credentials where permitted by law
  • Individuals specifically authorized in writing by the university for educational, research, or instructional purposes

Clear and Present Danger Reporting

The university complies with the Illinois Firearm Owners Identification Card Act and applicable regulations regarding “clear and present danger” reporting. A “clear and present danger” refers to behavior that includes violent, suicidal, homicidal, or assaultive threats or actions, or other conduct that would lead a reasonable person to believe an individual poses a serious and imminent risk of harm to self or others.

Reporting Procedures

Any member of the university community who becomes aware of conduct that may constitute a clear and present danger should immediately contact:

  • The Office of Campus Safety
  • Local law enforcement
  • Emergency services (911), when appropriate

University employees designated as responsible administrators for safety reporting shall promptly notify Campus Safety of any such concerns.

Designated School Administrator

The Director of Campus Safety, or their designee, serves as the University’s designated school administrator for receiving, assessing, and coordinating reports under Illinois clear and present danger reporting requirements.

Campus Safety may coordinate or refer matters, as appropriate, with the Chicago Police Department, the Illinois State Police, and other agencies consistent with applicable law.

Clery Act Compliance

This policy is implemented in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”). Under the Clery Act, the University is required to:

  • Monitor and record certain criminal offenses occurring on or near campus
  • Issue Timely Warnings when a serious or continuing threat exists
  • Issue Emergency Notifications when there is an immediate threat to health or safety
  • Maintain a daily crime log
  • Coordinate with law enforcement for reporting and statistical disclosure

Reports under this policy may be evaluated by Campus Safety and designated University officials to determine whether a Clery Timely Warning or Emergency Notification is required.

Campus Safety Authority

Ƶ Campus Safety is a non-sworn department and does not have arrest authority. Campus Safety coordinates response, documentation, and communication with law enforcement and University leadership to ensure compliance with Clery Act obligations and applicable law.

Violations

Violations of this policy may result in:

  • Removal from University property
  • Trespass ban • Student conduct action up to dismissal
  • Employment discipline up to termination
  • Referral to law enforcement
  • Criminal prosecution

Any J-1 exchange visitor found responsible for violating this policy may be reported by the University’s Responsible Officer or Alternate Responsible Officer, including the Director of the Office of International Affairs, to the U.S. Department of State through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program incident reporting process, consistent with applicable federal regulations governing J-1 Exchange Visitor Programs.