Legal Affairs Policies

Franklin & Marshall College strictly prohibits the introduction, construction, possession or use of weapons everywhere on campus and college owned or controlled properties off campus.

"College Premises" includes: Events, College-sponsored activities, on and off-campus College special events, all College -affiliated buildings, and all College owned properties as well as College Row Apartments, College Hill Apartments, JSP Houses and all College approved landlord properties in which Franklin & Marshall students reside. So as to safeguard the College community, this prohibition shall be given the broadest possible interpretation and on grounds.

For the purpose of this policy, weapons include, but are not limited to any device which can expel a projectile and/or other dangerous weapon including:

• Handguns, rifles, shotguns, air guns, pellet guns, "3D" printed weapons, BB guns and any other type of firearm.*

• Electronic incapacitation devices (Tasers).

• Knives which include but are not limited to any knife with a blade length of more than four inches, any knife with a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife having a blade that opens or falls or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement. This excludes eating utensils.

• Axes, swords, bows and arrows.

• Explosives, fireworks or ammunition of any kind.

• Any martial arts or security equipment of a dangerous nature, including Chinese stars, nunchakues, brass knuckles and spiked gloves.

• Weapons printed or constructed from "3D" printers.

• Any other items which, in their intended use, are capable of inflicting serious injury.

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

Weapon: A weapon is generally something used to injure, defeat, or destroy and may cover many types of instruments, such as a blackjack, slingshot, billy, metal knuckles, dagger, knife, pistol, revolver, or any other firearm, razor with an unguarded blade, and any metal pipe or bar used or intended to be used in a club, among others.

Possession: Physical possession on the person or placing or keeping a weapon at any location on the College campus, including an individual's living quarters or workplace, in any vehicle, or in an individual's container including but not limited to backpacks, briefcases, purses, wallets, bags and luggage.

Introduce: To bring any weapon onto College property or to assist anyone in bringing any weapon onto College property.

No person shall be permitted to carry firearms or other weapons, concealed or not concealed, with or without a concealed weapon permit, while on properties owned or controlled by the College, without the express written permission of the Director of the Department of Public Safety.

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Policy Maintained by: Department of Public Safety, Associate Vice President for Public Safety
Last Reviewed: September 27, 2022