Introduction

To help keep our community safe while complying with state law, Marquette University has implemented this policy. This policy relates to the possession of weapons on university property and governs other specific circumstances when a weapon is present or implied. This policy applies to all individuals on campus including, but not limited to students, faculty, staff, alumni, guests and the general public.

What is the Policy?

Marquette University maintains a no weapons allowed policy to the extent permitted by applicable law. The university prohibits the possession of weapons in campus buildings, including academic and office facilities, as well as in residence halls. Signs stating “Weapons are prohibited in this building” are posted in these buildings.

For purposes of this policy, a weapon includes, but is not limited to, the following: firearms, pellet and BB guns, electronic weapons, ammunition, knives, chemicals, explosives, fireworks, swords, paintball guns, billy clubs, and other objects or substances used as a weapon or in a dangerous manner.

How Do I Implement This Policy?

All individuals on university property are prohibited from:

• Possessing any weapons on university property with signage specifying “Weapons are prohibited in this building.”
• Failing to lock a personally owned or company vehicle in a university parking structure or lot that contains a firearm or concealed carry weapon when the individual is not present in the vehicle.
• Using a personally owned vehicle in which there is a weapon for university business without first disclosing to the individual’s supervisor the presence of the weapon in the vehicle and obtaining supervisor approval to use the vehicle for university business.
• Carrying any weapons in any university building or commercially leased space or at any university special event marked with signage specifying “Weapons are prohibited in this building.”
• Possessing ammunition on university property, except as expressly permitted by state law. This does not apply to on-duty certified law enforcement officers or armed security personnel authorized by the Marquette University Police Department.
• Implying possession of, threatening to use, displaying, brandishing, using or discharging a weapon on university property for any reason except lawful self-defense or lawful defense of others as defined in Wisconsin Statute § 939.49.
• Displaying or portraying as real any object that resembles a dangerous weapon on university property.
• Selling or serving alcohol, or permitting the sale of service of alcohol, on university property to any person whom the individual has reason to believe is carrying a weapon.

If you reasonably believe a person on university property is in possession of or carrying a weapon in violation of this policy, you must promptly report the incident/individual to MUPD at (414) 288-1911 or via the mobile BlueLight feature on the Eagle Eye app, unless reporting the incident/individual would subject you or others to physical harm or the threat of physical harm.

Certified law enforcement officers and MUPD-authorized armed security personnel are permitted to carry a weapon on university property during working hours or in the course of their employment.

Individuals found in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary actions under the Employee Handbook and Student Code of Conduct and the Student Athlete Code of Conduct, prohibited from campus, and subject to criminal prosecution.

Weapons Policy for Specific Circumstances

Commercial Tenants Weapons Policy

Commercial tenants and their employees may only possess firearms permitted under Wisconsin Statute Section 175.607 in the leased premises per Wisconsin Statute Section 943.13(1m)(c5)

Commercial tenants and their employees are prohibited from:

• Carrying or possessing on their person any weapons on university property with signage specifying “Weapons are prohibited in this building.”
• Carrying or possessing on their person any weapons in any university building or while at any university special event marked with signage specifying “Weapons are prohibited in this building.”
• Carrying or possessing on their person any ammunition on university property, except as expressly permitted by state law.
• Failing to lock a personally owned or company vehicle in a university parking structure or lot that contains a firearm or concealed carry weapon when he or she is not present in the vehicle.
• Implying possession of, threatening to use, displaying, brandishing, using or discharging a weapon on university property for any reason except lawful self-defense or lawful defense of others as defined in Wisconsin Statute § 939.49.
• Displaying or portraying as real any object that resembles a dangerous weapon on university property.
• Selling or serving alcohol, or permitting the sale of service of alcohol, on university property, including the leased premises, to any person whom the commercial tenant has reason to believe is carrying a weapon.

Commercial tenants should address any questions concerning this policy to the Marquette University Police Department at (414) 288-6800.

Apartment Lease Rules and Regulations

Student tenants may only possess firearms permitted under Wisconsin Statute Section 175.60 and other applicable state laws in the leased premises. Shotguns, rifles and other long guns may be stored, free of charge, with MUPD. All other weapons are prohibited in the leased premises.

Firearms permitted in the leased premises must either be within the immediate control of the tenant or must be stored in accordance with this policy in order to prevent any other tenant, invitee, or authorized or unauthorized person in the leased premises from gaining access to the firearm.

All permitted firearms must be locked with either a cable lock or a trigger lock and stored in a lock box or gun safe that:

• Is constructed of high-grade metal.
• Has a lock system containing a mechanical or electronic lock, and the lock is protected by a casehardened, drill-resistant steel plate.
• Has door hinges protected to prevent the removal of the door (e.g., hinges that are not exposed to the outside).
• Is capable of repeated use.
• Is locked at all times the firearm is present in the lock box or gun safe.

Parking Lots and Structures

To the extent permitted under Wisconsin law, storing or possessing weapons in university parking lots and structures, and in cars parked in university parking lots and structures, is prohibited.

Off-Campus Events

The university often contracts to use space at venues off campus. Some of these venues may not elect to prohibit the carrying of weapons in their buildings. It is the university’s policy to use facilities, when possible, that prohibit the carrying of weapons on their premises and post the notice of this prohibition.

Serving Alcohol

All students, employees, guests, contractors, tenants and guests are prohibited from selling or serving alcohol, or permitting the sale of service of alcohol, on university property, including the leased premises to any person whom the student, employee, guest, contractor, tenant or other individual has reason to believe is carrying a weapon.

Resources

Marquette University Police Department

To report a violation of this policy, please call MUPD at (414) 288-1911 or submit a report via the mobile BlueLight feature on the Eagle Eye app.

Eagle Eye app users should activate the mobile BlueLight feature on the app to report a violation of this policy. Learn more about the Eagle Eye app and safety tips.