Weapons Policy

The presence of weapons on campus poses an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of all members and guests of the Lewis & Clark community. Therefore, the possession of weapons is prohibited on the College campus.

For the purposes of this policy a weapon is defined as any instrument, article, or substance that is specifically designed for and presently capable of causing death, incapacitation, or serious physical injury. This includes, but is not limited to firearms, firearms ammunition, explosive devices (both incendiary and chemical), knives having a blade that swings into position by force (commonly known as switchblades) and knives (other than pocket knives) with blades longer than three and one-half inches, metal knuckles, straight razors, blackjacks, saps, sap gloves, koshes, bludgeons, martial arts stars, and weapons of any type commonly known as nunchakus.

Anyone who observes someone on the Lewis & Clark campus violating this policy should immediately report the incident to the Office of Campus Safety at extension 7777. The complainant should be prepared to provide Campus Safety with any relevant information related to the observation of the violation.

Campus Safety officers have the right to secure weapons from persons in violation of this policy. These weapons will be secured in the Office of Campus Safety until the person is prepared to remove them from campus.

Persons who possess a concealed-weapons permit are not allowed to carry weapons on the private property of Lewis & Clark's campus. Possessing a weapon for the purpose of sport, hunting, personal protection, or any benign reason will not exempt a person from this policy.

Exemptions: This policy does not apply to any peace officer whose duty it is to serve process or make arrests. Potentially explosive or flammable materials used for instructional, construction, or maintenance purposes by College personnel or College-authorized contractors are exempted from this policy. These materials will always be used under the supervision of the College staff or College-authorized contract management.