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Weapons Policy

This policy was posted for public comment from February 20 – March 12, 2024.

Comments

In light of the increasing number of mass shootings, I feel much more confident having a weapon on my person. The previous policy allowed for weapons if the weapon holder was also a carrier of a concealed weapons permit. The act of getting a concealed weapons permit ipso facto demonstrates proper understanding of appropriate weapon usage and handling. I am a concealed weapons permit holder, and I do carry a firearm on my person. In the event of a situation that requires the "Run, hide, fight" scenario, I am much more confident in choosing the pistol in my possession than a chair to defend myself if running and hiding are inadequate responses. Please consider this in your decision to not change the existing policy.

I think that the policy needs to be clearer about exempt under Utah State Law. In the past a person with a concealed carry permit was allowed to carry on campus.

I agree. Clearer policy wording or references (76-10-505.5 or 53-5-703 for example) should be included so there are no issues or violations of someone's rights.

It has always been my understanding that because we are a state-owned institution, we are allowed to carry our weapons on campus per Utah State law. This information was relayed to me via our on-campus law enforcement officer. Also, where does the Constitutional Carry law fit in?

It could be clearer about whether having a personal pocketknife is OK or not.

Perhaps some guidance would be helpful as well in regard to employee responsibilities or protocol if they witness someone violating this policy.

Even though the policy mentions that some individuals are exempt, I think it would be good to specifically mention that per State law, Concealed Carry Weapons permit holders are exempt: 53-5-704.

Additionally, you may want to mention that Constitutional Carry is still prohibited, since it is not specifically exempted by State law.

True. I agree with everyone about having clearer verbiage on the Concealed Carry Permit and Constitutional Carry.

I am a Department Chair, and my faculty have also raised the question about concealed carry. It would be nice to have that clearer in the policy.

This reads as if a pocket knife used for cutting fruit would fall afoul of the policy. Or a bread knife or cake knife when there are potlucks or other department events. Clarification would be appreciated.

I agree with the previous comments. It is my understanding the College cannot prevent anyone with a concealed carry permit from carrying a firearm. Clarification on pocket knives also needs to be made.

. . . or where college activities occur . . . is far too vague. Some college activities occur off of SLCC campuses, like as for instance when a club or a class does an off site visit to a different location. It is not reasonable to expect that non-SLCC personell in those instances are aware of and in compliance with the policy.

I suggest removing that bit so it says: Possession or use of weapons while upon properties owned, leased, or controlled by the college, including surrounding areas such as sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots, is prohibited.

Agreed with others - it's not clear what's lawful to train staff/faculty on what might be a violation. Is open carry allowed or only conceal and carry? or neither?

Responses

Suggest removing the phrase “or where college activities occur” from the second sentence of the policy statement (section 1).

No revisions were made in response to this comment.

Multiple suggestions for a clearer interpretation regarding possession of firearms, specifically of a Concealed Carry Weapons permit holder.

This policy refers to state statutes on this matter. As state statutes can change, the policy originator and policy sponsor have decided to maintain the reference to the statute instead of defining this further in college policy. No other Utah State Higher Education institution defines this in their policies.

The policy makes it difficult to train employees (staff and faculty) on what might be a violation. This reads as if a pocketknife used for cutting fruit would violate the policy, or a bread knife or cake knife when there are potlucks or other department events. Clarification would be appreciated.

Utah Code, §76-10-501, defines “dangerous weapon.” Under this definition, pocket knives, bread knives, etc., would not apply unless the purpose of carrying the knife is to inflict harm.

(6)(a) "Dangerous weapon" means:

  • (i) a firearm; or
  • (ii) an object that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.

(b) The following factors are used in determining whether any object, other than a firearm, is a dangerous weapon:

  • (i) the location and circumstances in which the object was used or possessed;
  • (ii) the primary purpose for which the object was made;
  • (iii) the character of the wound, if any, produced by the object's unlawful use;
  • (iv) the manner in which the object was unlawfully used;
  • (v) whether the manner in which the object is used or possessed constitutes a potential imminent threat to public safety; and
  • (vi) the lawful purposes for which the object may be used.

Is there guidance regarding employee responsibilities or protocol if an employee witnesses someone violating this policy?

If an employee is concerned that someone on campus is in possession of a “dangerous weapon” as defined in Utah Code, §76-10-501, they should contact Public Safety.