Weapons Procedure

The presence of weapons on campus poses a risk to the health and safety of the community. Firearms, weapons or explosives of any kind shall not be allowed on any Kirkwood Community College campus or at any Kirkwood sponsored event.

Weapons of any kind, whether carried open or concealed, shall not be allowed on Kirkwood Community College property or at any Kirkwood sponsored event. This is regardless of the individual having a federal or state weapons permit. 

Mace or pepper spray is allowable under the procedure, but may not be used or possessed in such a way that violates this or other College policies. 

Any member of the campus community who observes an individual possessing, transferring, selling or using a weapon and who reasonably believes that the individual has not been specifically authorized by Kirkwood should report the suspected violation immediately to Kirkwood Public Safety.

Exemptions:

  • Law Enforcement - This procedure does not apply to law enforcement personnel or peace officers who are carrying the weapon in performance of their duties.
  • Non-projectile Weapons - Consistent with Iowa Code 724.8A, non-projectile weapons, such as stun guns, that direct an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person are permitted. However, projectile high-voltage pulse weapons, such as tasers, are prohibited, despite the above exception.   In addition, non-projectile high-voltage pulse weapons are subject to off-campus restrictions, including age limitations, per Iowa Code 724.4.
  • Props – Due to the risk of being identified as a real weapon, any item which looks like a weapon in appearance and is utilized for any purpose on any Kirkwood campus, must be reported and approved by Associate Vice President, Public Safety or designee prior to being used for any activity.

Individuals seeking an exception must submit a written request in advance to the Associate Vice President, Public Safety. The Associate Vice President will review the request in consultation with other appropriate staff members and will respond to the request in writing.

Violations:

Because weapons may pose a clear risk to persons and property on the campus, violation of the regulations may result in disciplinary action from the College and/or prosecution under the appropriate state or federal laws.

Students in violation of the procedure may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Faculty and staff violating this procedure may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Guests, visitors and contractors found in violation of this procedure may be permanently prohibited from returning to campus for any reason. 

Individuals found in possession of weapons in violation of this procedure may be reported to local law enforcement for further criminal action in accordance with the appropriate local, state and federal laws.

Kirkwood will also pursue disciplinary, or criminal action as appropriate against anyone who violates this procedure by engaging in violence, threats of violence or intimidation.

Term Definition
Firearm Any device that shoots a bullet, pellet, flare, tranquilizer, spear, dart, or other projectile, whether loaded or unloaded. This includes but is not limited to; guns, air guns, dart guns, pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, cannons, and any ammunition for such devices
Weapon Any device that is designed to, or traditionally used to inflict harm. This includes, but is not limited to: (1) firearms, slingshots, switchblades, daggers, bows and arrows, hand grenades, hunting knives, explosives; (2) any object that could reasonably construed as a weapon or that is intended to be used to inflict bodily injury; or (3) any object legally controlled as a weapon or treated as a weapon by law.
Explosives Any combustible capable of causing serious injury including but not limited to firecrackers, black powder, dynamite, plastic explosives or blasting caps.