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Weapons Policy

Duquesne University is committed to maintaining a safe learning and working environment for all members of the University community. The University will not tolerate acts of aggression, harassment, or violence on its campus, at off-campus locations administered by the University, or in its programs. This policy of “zero tolerance” includes but is not limited to verbal and/or physical aggression, attacks, threats, harassment, intimidation, bullying, domestic violence, the possession, display or threat of a weapon, or other disruptive behavior which causes or could cause a reasonable person to fear physical harm by an individual(s) or group(s) against any person(s) and/or property. Such behavior is prohibited by Duquesne University.

This policy applies to students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the University.

All members of the campus community are prohibited from possessing or carrying weapons of any kind while on University property, regardless of whether they are licensed to carry the weapon or not. Such prohibition extends to individuals having weapons in briefcases, purses, tool boxes, personal vehicles or other personal property or effects.

The only exceptions to this policy are:

  • Firearms in the possession of University police officers;
  • Firearms in the possession of on duty law enforcement officers;
  • Legal chemical dispensing devices that are sold commercially for personal protection.

University sanctions will be imposed on offenders as appropriate and, in addition, criminal charges may be filed.

For the purposes of this policy, “weapons” include (a) firearms, such as handguns, shotguns, rifles, pellet guns, machine guns, stun guns, tasers, or electronic stun weapons; (b) explosives, such as bombs, grenades, blasting caps, or other containers containing explosive substances; and (c) other equipment, material, and devices that, in the manner they are used could ordinarily be used, or are readily capable of causing serious bodily injury. The items described in clause (c) include, but are not limited to, knives (except small personal pocket knives with folding blades that are less than three (3) inches long.), tear gas, chemical substances, brass knuckles, clubs or chains.