Firearms/Weapons Policy

Purpose:

To promote safety of all Willamette community members the University prohibits the possession or threatened use of weapons or simulated weapons on Willamette campuses, University-owned or controlled property, or at University events. 

This policy applies to all students, employees, contractors, volunteers, and visitors of Willamette University. Persons who possess a concealed weapons permit are not exempt from this policy. Weapons for the purpose of sport, hunting, games, or other reasons are not exempt from this policy. 

Definitions related to this policy:

Weapons means any instrument, article, or substance which is specifically designed for and capable of causing death, incapacitation, or serious physical injury; Any item used to harass, threaten, intimidate, assault or batter; any item the University deems as dangerous. 

Types of weapons this includes, but is not limited to:

• Firearms, firearm ammunition - Any weapon that expels projectiles or ammunition that has the potential to penetrate that includes gun powder or compressed air
• Explosive devices and chemicals–chemicals such as tear gas, or similar harmful agent capable of generating offensive, noxious or suffocating fumes, gases or vapor or capable of immobilizing a person; this includes pepper spray in containers greater than 2 ounces; or fireworks
• Knives having a blade that swings into position by force of spring or centrifugal force (i.e., switchblades) and knives with blades longer than 3.5 inches 
• Sling shots/bow and arrows - devices designed to be propelled through the air by applied human force 
• Fighting weapons - examples include metal knuckles, bludgeons, martial arts stars and weapons of the type commonly known as nunchucks; 
• Gaming weapons - e.g.Paintball guns and non-functioning firearm replicas that could be confused with actual firearms

Pepper Spray - (Oleoresin Capsicum/OC) is a non-lethal, inflammatory, and lachrymatory self-defense tool that causes temporary blindness, intense burning, and respiratory distress.

University Sanctioned Use means use within coursework activities, university performances (e.g, theatre), chemicals purchased by the university and used for their intended purpose (e.g., cleaning, facilities use), University sponsored or authorized sports involving weapons; local law enforcement acting within their duties.

Policy:

1. Weapons may be used only in connection with a University Sanctioned Use. Use must be consistent with the regulations of the unit conducting the sanctioned use, Oregon law, and OSHA regulations.
2. Unauthorized possession of Weapons are not allowed on Willamette University property, or in University vehicles. 
3. Use, or threatened use of Weapons or any object used as a Weapon is prohibited.
4. Standard pocket knives (with blades less than 3.5 inches are not considered Weapons under this policy. 
5. Pepper Spray (in dispensers containing less than two ounces) if used in a lawful manner and for personal protection is not considered a weapon under this policy. 
6. Anyone who observes or has knowledge of a violation of this policy should immediately report the incident to Campus Safety.  
7. Campus Safety Officers have the right to confiscate Weapons from persons in violation of this policy. These Weapons will be secured in the Campus Safety office until arrangements are made with the Executive Director of Campus Safety to safely remove the item from campus. Items unclaimed for longer than 30 days will be destroyed in adherence to the lost and found property policy. 

Effective Date: March 01, 2026
Responsible Person/Primary Contact: Executive Director of Campus Safety & Emergency Management
Responsible University Office: Campus Safety