Possession of Weapons Policy
The College-Institute is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment that promotes the health, safety and productivity of its employees, temporary workers, independent contractors, students, and visitors. The College-Institute will not tolerate the possession of weapons in the workplace or on its property.
It is a violation of this policy to possess, transfer, sell, use, or threaten to use an unauthorized weapon or dangerous instrument as defined below (even if licensed to carry a weapon) while at the workplace or on its property.
However, where federal, state, or local laws impose different or additional requirements, the College-Institute will abide by governing law. (See below).
Definitions
- Workplace includes but is not limited to the College-Institute facilities, parking lots, the College-Institute sponsored events, vehicles on the College-Institute property or used within the scope of employment.
- A weapon is defined as but not limited to:
- Firearm (including BB gun, whether loaded or unloaded)
- Knife (switchblade, hunting knife, etc.)
- Baton or nightstick
- Any other martial arts weapons
- Electronic defense weapons
If you have a question about whether an item is covered by this policy, please see your supervisor or National Office of Human Resources. You will be responsible for making sure beforehand that any potentially covered item you possess is not prohibited by this policy.
Scope
This policy applies to everyone, even those who have a permit to carry a weapon. The only exceptions to this policy are law enforcement officers on official business, security guards engaged by the College-Institute, or other personnel specifically authorized by the President.
Corrective Action
Any employee who, after appropriate investigation, is found to have violated this policy or whose conduct or presence poses a risk to the workplace will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Employees who fail to report instances of workplace weapon possession may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. The College-Institute will also take prompt action to address violence or threats of violence, including possession of weapons, by a vendor or visitor.
Upon reasonable grounds for suspicion that a search is necessary for workplace safety, we reserve the right to search employees’ personal property, including vehicles, on College-Institute sites.
Exceptions in California and Ohio
California: A search will only be conducted upon reasonable suspicion and written consent.
Ohio: Those who have a valid concealed handgun license (CCW) may possess firearms in their privately- owned motor vehicles in HUC-owned parking lots only if the vehicle is parked in a permitted location and the license holder is in the vehicle with the firearm and any ammunition, or, if the license holder is absent from the vehicle, the firearm and any ammunition must be locked in the trunk, glove box or other closed compartment in or on the vehicle.