5.1.19 University Violence Policy

Illinois State University is committed to a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, and visitors. Conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person, or creates a reasonable fear that such a result will occur, including but not limited to: acts of violence, threats of violence, possession of weapons(s) on University controlled property without proper written authorization, threatening behavior, and/or reckless disregard for the health or safety of any person are not acceptable conduct at Illinois State University and will not be tolerated. Violation of this policy and/or the Code of Student Conduct will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment and/or dismissal from the University.

Responsibility

The entire university community shares the responsibility for a safe and secure campus. Knowledge of violent acts or threats planned or carried out are to be reported to supervisors or other appropriate campus administrators immediately. In their absence or in the case of emergency, the University Police (911) should be contacted.

Application

This policy covers all persons:

1. on University property;
2. at University sponsored events;
3. fulfilling duties of a University student off-campus (such as student teaching, internship, conference, or international study abroad);
4. conducting official University business or representing Illinois State University off-campus; or
5. engaging in any negative action having direct impact on individuals within the University Community.

Definitions

Violence

Violence is the use of physical force or activity that causes harm, damage, or abuse of an individual or property. This includes physical force and/or activity which causes mental anguish.

Threat or Threatening Behavior

A threat is any statement or action, expressed or implied, that could cause a reasonable person to fear for the safety of him/herself, that of another person, and/or University property. Examples of threats include, but are not limited to words or actions which intimidate; harassment; stalking or following someone with the intent to harass, intimidate, harm, or cause other malicious activity; and the use of communication mediums to threaten such as telephone, fax, electronic or conventional mail.

Weapons

Weapons are not permitted on University controlled property except for purposes of law enforcement and as specially authorized for purposes of instruction, research, or service and as approved in writing by the Chief of Police.

Prohibited weapons include but are not limited to any:

1. Firearm, firearm ammunition, BB gun, pellet gun, paintball gun (except with prior written approval from the Chief of Police), tear gas gun, stun, taser, or other dangerous or deadly device of similar type;
2. Knife with a blade of at least 3 inches in length (except an ordinary eating utensil), dagger, dirk, switchblade knife, stiletto, ax, hatchet, or other deadly or dangerous weapon or instrument of similar type;
3. Bludgeon, blackjack, slingshot, sandbag, sand club, metal knuckles, billy club, throwing star, nunchaku, or other dangerous or deadly weapon of similar type;
4. Bomb, bombshell, grenade, firework, bottle, or other container containing an explosive, toxic, or noxious substance, unless under academic/classroom supervision, (other than an object containing a nonlethal noxious liquid, gas, or substance designed solely for personal defense possessed by a person 18 years of age or older);
5. Souvenir weapon or other weapon that has been rendered permanently inoperative; and any weapons outlined in the Illinois Compiled Statutes on Armed Violence (720 ILCA 5/33A-1, et.seq.)