Weapons and Simulated Weapons Policy

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Purpose of the Policy
New York University (“NYU”) is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for the University community and its guests. In support of this commitment, this policy sets forth rules governing the possession of weapons and simulated weapons in and around premises owned or controlled by NYU and at NYU sponsored events in other locations. This policy does not address the possession and use of simulated weapons for theatrical purposes, including stage and film productions, which is covered by the University’s Theatrical Use of Simulated Weapons Policy.

Scope of this Policy
This policy applies to all members of the University Community, as defined below. It also applies to any person on NYU property, in an NYU facility, or at an NYU-sponsored activity or event, including any participant or attendee at NYU-sponsored events or programs.

Policy
New York University strictly prohibits the use or possession of any Weapon or Simulated Weapon by any person (i) in and/or around any and all NYU facilities (whether academic, residential, or other) that are owned, leased, or controlled by NYU, regardless of whether the bearer or possessor is licensed to carry that Weapon, and (ii) at any NYU-sponsored activity or event, whether in an NYU facility or a non-NYU facility, including any participant or attendee an NYU-sponsored events or programs.

This prohibition does not apply to sworn federal, state or local law enforcement officers who are legally authorized to carry firearms in the jurisdiction and are in NYU facilities or events in the course of their official duties and/or at the request of NYU. Law enforcement officers bringing weapons to NYU premises must carry valid identification that establishes their law enforcement status.  Authorized possession of a firearm on NYU premises must at all times be discreet and out of view of any casual observer. Possession and use of simulated weapons for theatrical purposes, including stage and film productions, are addressed in the University’s Theatrical Use of Simulated Weapons Policy.

Definitions:
NYU includes the schools, colleges, institutes, and other administrative units of NYU, NYU’s Global Network University sites, and all University Affiliates, as each term is defined in NYU’s Policy on Developing University Policies.

Simulated Weapons refers to facsimiles of any category of weapon described below that resemble the actual weapon but are not capable of use as a weapon.

Theatrical Use refers to use in a stage or film production sponsored and/or authorized by NYU, including during rehearsals.

University Affiliates consist of those entities controlled, directly or indirectly, by the University through (a) ownership of more than 50% of the ownership interests in the entity or (b) the power to appoint or elect a majority of the organization's governing body (e.g., directors or trustees).

University Community includes the following persons associated with NYU: (a) the Board of Trustees (“Board”); (b) faculty, including visiting faculty; (c) researchers, including persons conducting research at or under the auspices of the University; (d) employees; (e) volunteers; (f) fellows, trainees, and post-doctoral appointees; (g) students; and (h) others who are performing activities or providing services at or under the auspices of NYU, including consultants, vendors, and contractors.

Weapons include instruments used to inflict physical harm, that are intended to inflict harm, or that could reasonably cause fear of infliction of harm, and any item that may be deemed weapons under applicable law, including but not limited to: a pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, firearm, stun gun, BB or pellet gun, taser, electric dart gun, and other instrument that launches a projectile by pressure resulting from combustion of propellant material, including a weapon related to or using air, sound, flare, hunting, or springs; bombs, grenades, mines, explosives, or incendiary devices (which can include “ignition devices” and aerosols); and daggers, stilettos, swords, switchblade knives, gravity knives, and knives having a blade exceeding four inches in length; and including parts, components, spare parts, or ammunition relating to the above. A disarmed weapon is a Weapon unless it is a Simulated Weapon.

New York University reserves the right to change, alter or modify this policy at any time at its discretion and without notice. This policy does not create a contractual agreement of any kind.