Updated weapons policy approved by Board of Trustees

The Executive Committee of the Kenyon Board of Trustees recently approved a policy clarifying the College's longstanding ban of weapons on campus. The clarification was drafted in response to the passage of Ohio Senate Bill 199, which expanded Ohio's concealed-carry law this month. The updated College policy continues Kenyon's ban of weapons on campus and requires concealed handgun licensees and active duty service members to secure their handguns in a locked motor vehicle while on campus.

An individual licensed to carry a concealed firearm may be present on campus, but that person's firearm and all of the ammunition must be locked within the trunk, glove box or other enclosed compartment or container within the person's privately owned motor vehicle. The policy applies to all College-owned properties, including residential and business operations such as Peirce Hall, the Village Inn, the Gambier Deli and the Kenyon Inn.

Members of the Kenyon Emergency Preparedness Team (KEPT) and attorneys representing Kenyon wrote the policy, which was also approved by Senior Staff. The full board will review the new policy at the April meeting. The policy was necessitated by Ohio SB 199, which asserts that businesses "cannot prohibit a person who has been issued a valid concealed handgun license from transporting or storing a firearm or ammunition" as long as "the firearm and all of the ammunition remains locked within the trunk, glove box, or other enclosed compartment or container within or on the person's privately owned motor vehicle" and "the vehicle is in a location where it is otherwise permitted to be."

"The College has always prohibited weapons on campus and that has not changed. No one can walk around campus with a concealed weapon, even with a concealed handgun license," said Mark Kohlman, chief business officer. "With the passage of SB 199, however, we have to outline exactly how active duty personnel and concealed handgun licensees must secure their weapons in their cars while on campus property. The policy is intended to protect our community and provide clarity on how SB 199 affects the College."

The complete policy can be viewed at kenyon.edu/weaponspolicy (PDF).