10-04 Firearms and Weapons on College Property and at College Events

POLICY: 6Hx28:10-04
Responsible Executive: Vice President, Business Operations and Chief Financial Officer
Policy Contacts:
Specific Authority: 1001.64, F.S.
Law Implemented: 1001.64, s. 790, F.S.
Effective Date: 04-23-2014
Date of Last Policy Review: 04-23-2014

1. PURPOSE & INTENT

    

   In order to maintain a safe academic and workplace environment, Valencia College provides this Policy for information and direction regarding the use, storage, and possession of firearms and weapons on Valencia College property and at Valencia College events.

    

2. POLICY STATEMENT

    

   1. Applicability

       

      1. This Policy is applicable to all members of the Valencia community, including all students, faculty, staff, visitors, contractors, and invitees and guests, on or at any Valencia campus, facility, or event (“Individuals”).

          

   2. Compliance

       

      1. In accordance with Sections 790.115 and 790.251, Florida Statutes, this Policy prohibits Individuals from possessing firearms, electric weapons or devices, destructive devices, or other weapons defined in Sec. 790.001(13),

         F.S. on or at any Valencia campus, facility, or event except as otherwise provided by Florida law.

          

      2. In addition to firearms, Chapter 790, Florida Statutes, regulates the possession of all other weapons on or at any Valencia campus, facility, or event. This policy does not prohibit legitimate work tools required to complete official work on campus.

   3. Exceptions

       

      1. It is lawful and not a violation of this Policy for law enforcement officers of government agencies, whether on or off duty, who currently are authorized by the employing law enforcement government agency, to possess the firearm on or at any Valencia campus, facility, or event.

          

      2. It is lawful and not a violation of this Policy for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose within the interior of a private vehicle (conveyance), with or without a license, if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. In accordance with Section 790.25(5), F.S., this policy does not prohibit the carrying of a legal firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a private vehicle (conveyance) when such firearm is being carried for a lawful use. This exception shall not be construed to authorize the carrying of a concealed firearm or other weapon on the person.

          

      3. It is lawful and not a violation of this Policy for the College’s armored car vendor, when acting in the course and scope of their college duties, to possess a firearm on a Valencia Campus, or in the event of any other possession of a firearm specifically authorized pursuant to the provisions of Section 790.115, Florida Statutes.

          

      4. Should it be necessary or desirable for the use of firearms in any of the academic programs of the College, then permission for such use must be applied for and granted by the President or designee, Vice President for Operations and Finance, and the Assistant Vice President, Safety and Security.

Policy History:

Adopted 12-11-74; Amended 12-15-82; Amended 9-17-86; Amended 11-18-92; Amended 4-23-2014 Formerly 6Hx28:04-31

Procedures:

1. Reports of any unauthorized weapons or other violations of this Policy should be made to the appropriate campus representatives, as follows:

   1. Office of Campus Safety and Security

   2. Campus President

   3. Dean of Students

2. Notification should also be given to the Vice President for Human Resources and Vice President for Student Affairs, as appropriate. Violations of this Policy may result in appropriate

   sanctions, up to and including termination from employment, expulsion, and/or suspension from the College.

3. Any violation of this policy is a serious offense. Any violation of this policy by any individual is considered serious misconduct and may subject the violator to penalties including, but not limited to, discipline up to and including termination under this and any other applicable Valencia College policy or procedure. This may result in discipline up to and including expulsion from the College; notification of local law enforcement officials for police response and action; or issuance of a written directive from the Campus Security Office barring future access to or entry upon College property or at a College sponsored or supervised event.

Related Statutes, Rules, Policies, and Documents:

Policy: 6Hx28:8-03, Student Code of Conduct

790.001, F.S.; 790.115, F.S.; 790.25, F.S.; 790.251, F.S.

Procedure History:

Adopted 4-23-2014

Date of Last Procedure Review: 04-23-2014