College Policy Question

[bigalexe]

Upon reading the rules and regulation for the Public Community College which I attend, I found a general no-firearms policy. The rules and regulations read I would say exactly like a High-School level handbook except that no-smoking is far from being enforced.

My question is whether a public community college can make this regulation in Michigan and more importantly does it include the parking lot. Also were I not a student and parking in the lot to attend a play or something in the Fine-Arts building, would the ruling apply to me as a member of the general public? This regulation bugs me because the parking lot itself is even shared with the E.D.A. of the county who rents college building space, so does the student rule apply to County EDA Employees?

Im asking because the ruling reads No firearms, no ammunition, no knives (knife rule is out the window and has been for a long time). I'm wondering what kind of issues I would run into as a student, age 21 (adult), with a locked case in the trunk. Also what about all the adults in the community college who maybe came to class after hunting the morning?

 

[jibbs]

It is my understanding that you gun has to stay in your car and cannot leave (and I think it may have to be unloaded and under lock and key). Since it is a Public Learning Institution it falls under the same regulation as K-12, but I'm not entirely sure if it is that strict.

I do not bring my gun to school, but have been inconvenienced going to IDPA practices where I would have to go home and pick up my gun if I stayed at school late. Good question and hopefully someone can shed some light on this topic. I could save some time if I could just put my gun in my lock box.

 

[Trebor]

Ask Jim Simmons in the Legal Beagle forum over at www.migunowners.org

 

[mgkdrgn]

I'm wondering what kind of issues I would run into as a student, age 21 (adult), with a locked case in the trunk.

Unless for some reason you allow someone to search your car ... likely none.

It's just a CYA policy for the school ... not like they have metal detectors buried under the parking lot. It's private property ... they can -make up- any stupid rule they want (No mustaches on Tuesday) ... enforcing it is a whole nuther matter.

 

[bigalexe]

So consensus seems to be that as long as I'm not carrying out of my vehicle, not making a ruckus about having the gun/ammo, and just letting it be then I should be fine.

I became concerned when I read the rule because I have in the past had a shotgun case in my trunk, which is visible from outside the car (back seat folded down so my trunk is half the car). I had left it in there from the trap range the previous night.

 

[mgkdrgn]

I became concerned when I read the rule because I have in the past had a shotgun case in my trunk, which is visible from outside the car

That is why they make blankets.

 

[gondorian]

^+1^ Hardly any college students have neat cars anyway so no one would suspect anything. A blanket is also good to have in case you get stuck in the winter or something or need to change a tire and don't fell like kneeling in the snow.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Read your handbook, even if it is an ed code law, they can, and most likely would, take administrative or academic action against you. I spoke to the vice chief of the U Police where I attend, per him, they consider any part of a firearm a violation of campus policy (even though the policy is against state law...) However they also stated that the remedy was to ask you to leave the grounds and not return armed, even if in the car, as it could be stolen then how would you feel :{

But it could also be turned over to the administration then your dealing with that happy stuff.

That said, I have talked to a number of people who regularly break that policy (its not a law) and they said that its there if you screw up and get caught. Most said that their lockbox is out of sight anyways.

 

[hadmanysons]

I had a question about the generic weapons policy at my college because it was specific and vague at the same time. My question was about folding pocket knives and I just went to the campus security office and asked the "cops" there. Turns out pocket knives were fine. All you gotta do is ask.

But then again, if the answer is no, now they know your face

 

[Nicodemus38]

a year ago today possessing a firearm, loaded or unloaded, with or without ammunition, would have resulted in violation of a federal statute resulting in a 2 year felony prison termed to be served in a federal prison. I havent seen any laws were that changed.
and furthermore, if the community college got any money through the education stimulus money given to the state from uncle sams wallet, its udner that federal law.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Nicodemus please cite, the only law I know about was the gun free school zones and that was struck down because no interstate commerce as involved or affected by guns near schools, after that many states enacted similar laws, however most apply only to k-12 schools, and those have provisions (most at least) for safe storage before entering the school grounds.

Well Utah is the only state to expressly allow concealed carry on campus, a number leave it up to the institution.

Attached is a Link to Students for Concealed Carry on Campus state by state information http://www.concealedcampus.org/state-by-state.php

So where do you find the federal law that prohibits guns on college campuses

 

[RoostRider]

MN law dictates that administrative action can be taken by the institution.... since I'm not a student, I couldn't care any less about administrative action... your results may vary by state and institution

 

[Shadow 7D]

Before you tell someone that it is a FEDERAL offense, please be sure of the law, RBKA is abridged on college campuses, and if you follow my link you will see that it is a fight that is still on going. Please help, let people know how stupid "gun free" zones truly are, I would rather a CRIME FREE ZONE, but we all know how well they work

 

[Broken11b]

Ive been looking into Michigans concealed carry laws and found this tidbit, You cannot carry on a community college campus, nor any other school campus in michigan. If you are a student you cannot posess a firearm on school grounds at any time, this includes in your car in the parking lot. the only exception is if you are a legal ccw holder, not a student, and are in your car picking your child/other minor up from the school campus

 

[cambeul41]

Broken11b

Pistol Free Areas -- Michigan

Individuals licensed to carry a concealed pistol by Michigan or another state are prohibited from carrying a concealed pistol on the following premises:

1. Schools or school property but may carry while in a vehicle on school property while dropping off or picking up if a parent or legal guardian

[In Michigan “ ‘School’ means a public, private, denominational, or parochial school offering developmental kindergarten, kindergarten, or any grade from 1 through 12.”

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(j2....aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-750-237a]

6. A dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university
http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1591_3503_4654-10947--,00.html

 

[bigalexe]

The question was not regarding pistols or CC but I'm happy I have the information anyway. Also what defines who is a "Student" and who is not? I only ask because some people may not be enrolled full-time or even half-time, the college really doesn't call them "Students" and they don't even get email accounts. Also I am confused by them using the term student overall because if you have been to a community college lately you would see that this refers to a large cross-section of the population, not just the typical 18-21 bracket.

 

[Yo Mama]

Dude, you can't define student and think you'll get around the laws. On a college campus, no go, no matter who you are unless you're a LEO.

It sucks, but it's what happens in gun free zones.

And yes it applies to the parking log which is also the school's property. Recently a kid in high school who is an eagle scout was suspended for 30 days because he brought a pocket knife to school which was kept in his locked car in the parking lot.

 

[wickedsprint]

Well when your car gets broken into and you mention that a weapon was stolen..you might run into some issues.

 

[Nicodemus38]

schools of all kinds are no goes. its good to see that other people have the free time to find the exact laws.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Nicodemus, please note, the law is a STATE law, you should be concerned about the laws of your state, and they will vary state by state.