Regulation of Weapons
Definitions
The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
“Police officer” means law-enforcement officials legally appointed pursuant to the Code of Virginia or sworn federal law-enforcement officers.
“College property” means any property owned, leased, or controlled by a member college of the Virginia Community College System and the administrative office of the Virginia Community College System.
“Weapon” means (i) any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind by action of an explosion of any combustible material; (ii) any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, slingshot, spring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack; (iii) any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chachka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; (iv) any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart; or (v) any weapon of like kind, to include but not limited to tasers.
“Weapon” does not mean knives or razors used for domestic purposes, pen, or folding knives with blades less than three inches in length, or knives of like kind carried for use in accordance with the purpose intended by the original seller.
Possession of weapons prohibited
Possession or carrying of any weapon by any person, except a police officer, is prohibited on college property in academic buildings, administrative office buildings, parking lots, student centers, childcare centers, dining facilities, and places of like kind where people congregate, or while attending any sporting, entertainment, or educational events. Entry upon the aforementioned college property in violation of this prohibition is expressly forbidden. This prohibition shall apply to possession of a weapon when stored securely inside the vehicle of properly permitted students and employees. Any individual in violation of this prohibition will be asked to remove the weapon immediately. Failure to comply may result in a student conduct referral, an employee disciplinary action, or arrest.
Exceptions to prohibition
This prohibition shall not apply to current sworn and certified local, state, and federal law enforcement officers with proper identification. Furthermore, the chief of the college police department or head of security department, or their designee, may authorize in writing a person to possess, store, or use a weapon: (i) when used for educational or artistic instruction, display, parade, or ceremony sponsored or approved by the college (unloaded or disabled only and with other specified safeguards, if appropriate); or (ii) for any college- approved training, course, or class.
Person lawfully in charge
Campus police officers or security, and other police officers acting pursuant to a mutual aid agreement or by concurrent jurisdiction, are lawfully in charge for the purposes of forbidding entry upon or remaining upon college property while possessing or carrying weapons in violation of this prohibition.
Disciplinary Action
Students in violation of this policy shall have charges processed against them in the normal manner of due process provided by college rules and regulations (see Statement of Student Rights & Responsibilities, Student Disciplinary Policies and Procedures), up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution.
Any employee in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge, at the discretion of the college administration.