Weapons/Violence Policy

Luther Seminary does not tolerate violence or the threats of violence.

In order to achieve Luther Seminary's teaching, scholarly, theological and public service missions, the Seminary considers it essential that all persons feel safe and be free from violence, threats, and intimidation when on Seminary property or attending Seminary functions and events.

Accordingly, Luther Seminary hereby regulates the possession and carrying of weapons by members of the Seminary community and by others when on Seminary property.

Definitions

1. Seminary Property. Seminary property means all real property, buildings, and facilities under the primary control of the Seminary through ownership, lease, or other means. This includes all public or private locations, arenas, stadiums, and halls that the Seminary has leased for Seminary events, including, but not limited to, academic and administrative meetings, intercollegiate and intramural events, and student, faculty, and staff activities. Seminary property also includes all places of residence owned by the Seminary in which students reside.

2. Employee. Employee means any individual employed by the Seminary, staff and faculty, and student employees when acting within the course and scope of employment.

3. Weapon. Weapon means a firearm, a dangerous weapon as defined by Minnesota law, including but not limited to articles or substances usable as weapons.

4. Firearm. Firearm means a gun, whether loaded or unloaded, that discharges shot or a projectile by means of an explosive, a gas, or compressed air.

5. Student. Student means an individual taking one or more Seminary courses or classes, credit or noncredit, or participating in any program administered in part or wholly by the Seminary.

6. Visitor. Visitor means any person who is on Seminary property, except an employee or a student. These persons include potential students, vendors, donors, and potential donors, excluding law enforcement officers.

Policy

Carrying and/or possessing handguns or other weapons at the Seminary, by any student, employee or visitor, will not be tolerated. This prohibition expressly includes those persons licensed to carry firearms under the Minnesota Citizens’ Personal Protection Act of 2003. This prohibition does not include peace officers or armored security company personnel.

For purposes of our policy, students, employees and visitors are not allowed to carry and/or possess handguns or other weapons anywhere on campus.

Unauthorized possession or use of weapons means possessing or using weapons or articles or substances usable as weapons, including, but not limited to firearms, incendiary devices, explosives, and dangerous biological or chemical agents, except in those instances when authorized by law and, where applicable, by Seminary policy.

The Seminary reserves the right to non-intrusively search any person, vehicles, or belongings brought onto Seminary property. Although it is the Seminary’s intention to ban guns from its property to the full extent permitted by law, guns are permitted in the Seminary’s parking facilities to the extent that the law does not permit their prohibition.

Students are also prohibited from carrying and/or possessing handguns or other weapons at any time during participation in any Seminary-sponsored activity, whether on-campus or not.

Luther Seminary prohibits other people from carrying and/or possessing handguns or other weapons. These people include potential students, vendors, visitors, donors, potential donors, and any other person on campus, excluding law enforcement officers.