Weapons Policy

Weapons Policy

USG Policy 4a (7.00) | Approved by Executive Director, December 2025

1. Purpose and Applicability

   To promote the safety, security and well-being of its campus and community members, the Universities at Shady Grove limits weapons on its campus. Except as may be expressly authorized under an exemption set forth herein, the Universities at Shady Grove prohibits the carrying, wearing, possession, use or transportation of any weapon on the USG campus. This policy applies to all areas of USG property, including all buildings, parking garages, and grounds.

    

2. Definitions
   1. Weapon(s): any potentially dangerous object including, but not limited to:
      1. Firearms, including any weapon or instrument from which a shot, projectile, or other object may be discharged by force, whether operable or inoperable, loaded or unloaded. Includes a handgun, rifle, shotgun, short–barreled rifle, or short–barreled shotgun, or any other firearm;
      2. BB guns, pellet guns, air rifles, paint guns, “ghost” guns, 3-D guns, or any replica firearm;
      3. Knives including a dirk knife, bowie knife, switchblade knife, and star knife; a) Pocketknives carried in a closed position, with a blade of three inches or less are excluded.
      4. Metal knuckles, razors, nunchakus, crossbows, batons, bludgeons, slingshots, or ice picks;
      5. Illegal or potentially dangerous chemicals, fireworks, or any other instrument, which by its nature or circumstances present may be reasonably construed as a weapon; and

      6. Any other weapon considered illegal by the state of Maryland.

          

3. Exemptions

   The following are exempted from this Policy:

   1. Sworn and active law enforcement officials or police officers employed by a law enforcement agency who are authorized to carry, wear or transport the weapon as part of their official equipment in the regular course of their duties;
   2. Retired law enforcement officials or police officers who retired in good standing from a law enforcement agency, and are in compliance with the Maryland Criminal Law Article, §4-111;
   3. Employees of an armored car company, if the person is acting within the scope of employment and has a valid permit to wear, carry, or transport a handgun issued under Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Maryland Public Safety Article; and

   4. Any individual carrying OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray for self-defense purposes.

       

4. Exemption Requests

   The following may submit a request for an exemption from this Policy to the USG Public Safety Manager at least ten business days prior to the requested date. The request must be in writing and include a detailed description of the proposed activity, a specific description of any/all weapons, safety measures to be implemented, and the proposed benefit to the USG community. Requests will be reviewed by the Public Safety Office, which may or may not grant the requested exemption, in its sole discretion, and with any conditions as may be deemed appropriate:

   1. Members of the U.S. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) for use of weapons in accordance with national ROTC standards and/or training;
   2. Any academic partner sponsored classes whereby any of the above weapons would be used solely for instructional purposes;
   3. Individuals or groups for use of weapons as part of theatrical performances or research activities; and

   4. Security officers hired by USG through security contracts to provide campus security services, including off-duty police officers and/or others permitted by law to carry a firearm.

       

5. Reporting Policy Violations

   1. All members of the USG community and others are encouraged to report any suspected violations of this Policy. Suspected violations should be reported to the USG Office of Public Safety and Security (301-738-6065) and also, in an emergency situation, to the Montgomery County Police at 911. The Office of Public Safety and Security shall investigate any such reports and provide conclusions and recommendations to the applicable department, office or unit.

       

6. Failure to Comply

   1. Anyone who fails to comply with this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action (up to and including dismissal or termination), referral to applicable University offices (e.g., Partner Office of Student Conduct) and/or administrative action and may also be subject to potential arrest and criminal prosecution and other sanctions under the laws of the state of Maryland.

       

7. Precedence in the Event of Conflict

   1. Applicable local, state or federal laws and regulations shall take precedence and otherwise prevail in the event of conflict with this Policy.

       

8. Revision History

   Date	Description	Revised by
   12/2025	Initial policy creation	M. Wahl