Policy 417: Weapons on Campus

417.1 POLICY

No person shall have in his or her possession any Firearms or Dangerous Weapons, whether concealed or carried openly, while on College controlled property.  Exceptions to this policy as created by Idaho State Law or specifically authorized by the College of Eastern Idaho as approved by its Board of Trustee are set forth in the procedures below.

417.2 PROCEDURE

The following persons are authorized by the College President and Board of Trustees to possess Firearms or Dangerous Weapons on College controlled property, and may be carried concealed or openly as designated below:

Open or Concealed Carry:

• Law enforcement officers
• CEI Safety/Security officers when specifically authorized individually by the President of the College
• Private security guards who may lawfully carry Firearms and are required by their job duties to carry Firearms and to be on College property

Concealed Carry Only:

Pursuant to Idaho Code Section 18-3309, the possession, carrying, or transporting of Concealed Weapons and ammunition by persons licensed under Idaho Code Sections 18-3302H (relating to permits which may be issued to retired law enforcement officers) and 18-3302K (relating to enhanced concealed carry permits) is allowed, subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in Idaho law and this policy and procedure. Any Firearm or Dangerous Weapon carried pursuant to this subpart must be kept concealed on or about the permit holder’s person at all times.

In essence this law states that citizens with a valid “Enhanced Carry” permit, may carry a concealed weapon on College controlled property or any official college sponsored activities and events.

College employees, students and others not covered by one of these exceptions but, who have a need to possess a Firearm on College controlled property should contact the Director of Security and Safety for prior authorization subject to approval by the President.

Any other possession of Firearms or Dangerous Weapons on CEI property is prohibited unless otherwise specifically permitted by this policy.

The carrying or use of Firearms by College employees pursuant to Section 18-3309(2) (other than by authorized CEI Security/Safety officers), or the carrying or use of a Dangerous Weapon is outside the course and scope of employment, and employees do so at their own risk. In the event of legal action, employees may not be defended by the College, its insurance providers or the State of Idaho or covered by the protections of the Idaho Tort Claims Act.

Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action and the following sanctions:

• Exclusion or expulsion (trespass), in the case of students or;
• Exclusion or dismissal from employment, in the case of faculty and staff; or
• Exclusion (trespass) from campus, in the case of the public; or
• Prosecution under appropriate local, state or federal laws

417.3 DEFINITIONS

Firearm:  The term “Firearm” means: Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; The frame or receiver of any such weapon; Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or. Any destructive device.

Dangerous Weapon:  The term “dangerous weapon” means a weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury, except that such term does not include a pocket knife with a blade of less than 2½ inches in length, or a personal protective taser or pepper spray.

College-owned or controlled premises: Properties owned or controlled by the College include all CEI owned or leased buildings and surrounding areas such as sidewalks, grounds, driveways, and parking lots. This policy also applies to CEI employees or students who may be off CEI property who are performing or participating in a CEI sanctioned activity including recreation and intercollegiate events, conferences, or meetings.

Formerly Approved 3/14/18