It appearing to the Board of Governors of Wayne State University that provisions for the care, preservation, and protection of the property governed by the Board, and for the security and well-being of persons on said property, are essential to promote the University's successful operation, to maintain good order, and to ensure against undue interference with the lawful activities of persons coming upon land governed by the Board, the Board hereby adopts the following ordinance:

Section I. Scope

This ordinance applies to all property owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by Wayne State University and applies to all individuals when present on such property, regardless of whether the individual has a concealed weapons permit or is otherwise authorized by law to possess, discharge or use any device referenced below.

Section 2. Definitions

The word "firearm" as used in this ordinance is any weapon from which a dangerous projectile may be propelled by an explosive, or by gas or air, or any weapon that uses electro-muscular disruption technology.

A pistol is any firearm less than 26 inches in length or with a construction or appearance that conceals it as a firearm.

Section 3. Possession of Firearms, Dangerous Weapons and Knives

Except as otherwise provided in Section 4 or 6, no person shall while on any property owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by Wayne State University:

1. possess or carry on his or her person any firearm, explosive, or chemical weapon;
2. carry on his or her person any sword, switchblade knife, or other knife with a blade longer than three (3) inches;
3. carry on his or her person any other object or device with the intent of intimidating or injuring another person.

Section 4. Transport

It shall be unlawful for any person to transport or to have in any vehicle a firearm unless the firearm is unloaded and carried in a locked container in the luggage compartment of the vehicle, with ammunition, if any, separately stored; provided that this provision shall not apply to individuals driving vehicles passing through the university on public streets that may intersect or border property owned, leased, or controlled by the university.

Section 5. Discharge or Use of Firearms, Dangerous Weapons and Knives

Except as otherwise provided in Section 6, no person shall draw, brandish, discharge or openly carry any device listed in Section 3 on any property owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the University.

Section 6. Exceptions

The above prohibitions shall not apply:

1. to University employees who are authorized by the University to possess and/or use such weapons, devices, or substances;
2. to other non-University law enforcement officers or other non-University employees who are authorized by their employers to possess or use such weapons, devices or substances in the performance of their official duties; or
3. to a person who possesses or uses such weapons, devices, or substances in connection with a research or regularly scheduled educational program authorized by the University, provided that the Chief of the Wayne State University Police Department has been advised at least one week in advance.

The Wayne State University Chief of Police may waive enforcement of one or more prohibitions on a case by case basis based on extraordinary circumstances. Any such waiver must be in writing, signed by the Chief, and must be limited in its scope and duration. A copy of such waiver will be provided to the President or his designee. The Chief of Police may impose certain restrictions upon individuals who are otherwise authorized to possess or use such devices pursuant to the preceding paragraph when the Chief determines such restrictions are appropriate under the circumstances.

Section 7. Sanctions

Upon conviction of any violation of this article, the violator shall be sentenced to a fine not to exceed $500. If the violator does not have an appropriate license for a firearm, or is otherwise unlawfully in possession of a weapon or device referenced in Section 3, the University may confiscate the weapon or device.

This ordinance does not repeal, restrict, modify or otherwise affect any existing civil or university administrative policies or procedures applicable to the subject matter of this ordinance.

Regardless of whether an individual has been prosecuted or convicted of a violation of this ordinance, and notwithstanding the existence, status or outcome of any criminal action, the University reserves the right to invoke such policies to the extent they may be applicable.

Section 8. Repeal

Wayne State University's existing firearms ordinance, currently codified at WSUCA 2.87.02.260 through 2.87.02.280, is hereby repealed.