Office of General Counsel
Weapons, Threats and Violence: Campus Safety Issues at ASU
Although ASU has long had policies prohibiting weapons, threats and violence, several of those policies have recently been revised to promote a safer campus and learning environment. Following the off-campus student shooting in spring of 2005, President Crow asked law professor Myles Lynk to chair a committee to conduct an independent investigation into the incident and to address related campus safety issues. The committee recommended enhanced education of the campus community with regard to incidents (on- and off-campus) that involve weapons, threats and violence. The committee recommended that the university provide clear guidance on prohibited conduct and require that students and employees be required to refer or report all incidents of disruption to campus police and other appropriate campus offices.
This briefing paper summarizes the current ASU policies. Additional detail is available in each of the referenced policies, which should be consulted for guidance in individual circumstances.
Disruptive Conduct in the Workplace
Weapons
ASU prohibits the use, possession, display and storage of weapons, fireworks and explosive devices AND requires all students and employees with knowledge of violations to report those violations to the ASU Police Department. (PDP 201-05)
This prohibition extends to all:
- land and buildings owned, leased or under the control of ASU or its affiliated or related entities
- ASU residential facilities
- ASU vehicles
- Non-ASU vehicles present on any property owned or controlled by ASU or an ASU affiliate or related entity, and
- ASU or ASU affiliate sponsored events and activities.
ASU students and employees are required to report known and suspected violations of the weapons policy to the ASU Police Department immediately. Failure to report as required may result in sanctions under applicable ABOR and ASU policies governing student and employee conduct.
The only exceptions to the weapons policy are:
- A certified peace officer performing official duties
- Authorized activities with the prior written approval of the director of the ASU Police Department or the director's authorized representative
Threats and Violence
Violent, threatening or disruptive behavior by students, employees and guests on campus will not be tolerated. State law authorizes ASU to adopt rules for the maintenance of public order on all property used for educational purposes and provides that those rules may govern the conduct of students, faculty, staff and all members of the public. In addition to general codes of conduct that govern employee and student behavior, ASU has adopted policies regarding disruptive student behavior and violence in the workplace to protect the campus and promote a safe educational environment. The following sections highlight the policies regarding disruptive conduct by students and employees.
Disruptive Student Conduct
All incidents and allegations of violent or threatening conduct by an ASU student (whether on- or off-campus) must be reported to the ASU Police Department and the Dean of Students Office. If either office determines that the behavior poses or has posed a serious threat to personal safety or to the welfare of the campus, the student will not be permitted to return to campus or reside in any ASU residence hall until an appropriate threat assessment has been completed and, if necessary, conditions for return are imposed. ASU DPS, the Dean of Students Office, and other appropriate offices will coordinate the assessment in light of the relevant circumstances. (See USI 104-02).
The Office of Student Life (965-6547) is available to answer questions about responding to incidents of disruption and general questions regarding classroom management.
Disruptive Conduct in the Workplace
Any act of intimidation including menacing and harassing behaviors, threat of violence, and acts of violence committed against any person in the workplace is prohibited. Any person experiencing or observing imminent violence in the workplace should call the ASU Police Department at 911.
All incidents and allegations of violent or threatening conduct by an ASU employee (whether on- or off-campus) must be reported to the ASU Police Department (480/965-3456) or the ASU Employee Assistance Office (480/965-2271) immediately. If either office determines that the behavior poses or has posed a serious threat to personal safety or to the welfare of the campus, the employee will not be permitted to return to campus until an appropriate threat assessment has been completed and, if necessary, conditions for return are imposed. The ASU Police Department, the Employee Assistance Office, the employee's supervisor, and other appropriate offices will coordinate the assessment in light of the relevant circumstances. (See SPP 814)
Any ASU supervisor, manager, or individual in authority who receives a report of a suspected violation of this policy shall document and report the suspected violation to the appropriate authority.
Employees found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Any employee who intentionally brings false charges will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination (see SPP 809, "Discipline")
Employees and supervisors may contact ASU Human Resources, the Employee Assistance Program Office, the ASU Police Department, or an ombudsperson for assistance in maintaining a safe work environment.
Campus Safety
All members of the campus community have a shared responsibility for maintaining a safe campus. ASU's annual "Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Report" is a valuable information resource that addresses ASU's security policies and steps that members of the university community can take to improve their personal safety. In addition to recent crime statistics, the report includes contact information for numerous campus and community support organizations. Printed copies of the report are also available at the ASU Police Department, the Office of General Counsel, the Office of Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, Human Resources and the Student Services Building.
Some of the legal material found at this site has been abridged from laws, regulations, court decisions, administrative rulings, ABOR and ASU policies and other sources. Further details may be necessary for complete analysis and understanding in particular matters. The information contained at this site, and related links, is not a substitute for professional legal counsel. Any discrepancy between the information at this site and ASU policy is not intended to alter or amend official ASU policy or procedure.
Any links to non-Arizona State University information are provided as a courtesy. They are not intended to nor do they constitute an endorsement by the Arizona Board of Regents or Arizona State University of the linked materials.