Weapons-free Campus Policy
Belmont University is a weapon-free campus. Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on university property (on and off the main campus), in university facilities, in vehicles on university property, and at university events. A weapon includes any device defined by statute or the university which in the manner used or intended is capable of producing death, harm, or bodily injury to person or property. Such devices include but are not limited to guns (including starter pistols, paintball guns, those that shoot projectiles including pellets, BBs, airsoft beads, potatoes, etc.), explosives, ammunition, and/or fireworks, knives with blades longer than three inches, slingshots, martial arts weapons, and bow and arrow combinations (including crossbows).
- In the interest of public safety, the weapon-free campus policy includes items resembling weapons including but not limited to replica, non-firing, rubber, plastic and/or toy guns. Stage props are excluded from this prohibition only as stipulated in the theatrical addendum below- Those possessing permits to carry concealed weapons in public are subject to this policy and are prohibited from bringing weapons onto campus or into campus facilities.
- Weapons are not permitted on campus property this includes possession or storage by an individual, in a university facility or vehicle on university property. Hunters must make arrangements to store weapons off campus property and are not permitted to transport weapons on campus.
- Pepper and propellant sprays used for personal protection and self-defense are permitted on campus. Misuse or unauthorized use of these items will be assertively addressed via university judicial processes and/or state and federal statutes. However, electronic devices intended to stun or incapacitate (e.g.Tazors) are considered weapons and are not permitted on campus.
- Exceptions to this policy include uniformed police officers, authorized Belmont security personnel, theatrical props within the provisions and approval of the Office of the Dean of Students.
Fire Hazards and Combustible Materials
Combustible materials including, but not limited to, gasoline, gunpowder, flammable chemicals, explosives, etc., are not permitted. Firearms and other weapons including, but not limited to, bows, BB guns, blowguns, martial arts weapons, paintball guns, etc., are strictly prohibited in university residences. Fireworks and incendiary devices of any kind are strictly prohibited in university residential facilities. Smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, alarms and fire extinguishers are integral to student and facility safety and are not to be tampered with, disabled or misused in any way. Smoke detectors must remain plugged in (if not battery operated). Due to its significant importance in protecting the community, the university is very assertive in addressing violations of this policy.
