WEAPONS/FIREARMS POLICY

I.          PURPOSE:

The Sitting Bull College Weapons and Firearms Policy is to ensure the safety of the students, faculty, staff, residents, and visitors to the college campus.  In an effort to maintain a safe campus, the institution does provide a safety awareness program that consists of, but is not limited to the following:

  1. During registration, students will receive information regarding maintaining a safe campus and the Campus Security Policy.
  2. Campus crime statistics will be disclosed to the federal government at http://ope.ed.gov/security
  3. Workshops and information sessions on personal safety and self-defense will be offered every academic year.
  4. Counseling and referral services will be provided, as deemed appropriate or as provided in this Policy.

II.         POLICY:
The unauthorized possession of weapons or firearms or the unreported knowledge of such items, on the College's premises or during College-sponsored programs off campus, is considered a serious offense and may be subject to disciplinary action.  Concealed firearm permits are not valid on the property of the Sitting Bull College or at sanctioned events.

This Policy shall apply to all faculty, staff and students of SBC and to all visitors of the campus on property of the College.

III.        EXEMPTIONS:
The SBC Weapons Policy does not apply to authorized law enforcement officials in the lawful discharge of their duties or the Sitting Bull College Criminal Justice and Campus Security Programs for security and training purposes.  Temporary exemptions may be granted by written permit only by the Vice President of Student Services for job related, educational, or demonstration purposes. 

A rifle or shotgun which the owner intends to use solely for sporting, recreational or cultural purposes and which is carried or displayed in the motor vehicle and unloaded, by faculty, staff, students and visitors of SBC shall be exempt from this Policy.  Rifles or shotguns, carried or displayed in the motor vehicle and which are loaded, with a round in the chamber are considered in violation of this Policy.

IV.        DEFINITIONS:
Weapon:  Any switchblade or gravity knife, machete, scimitar, stilletto, sword, dagger, or knife with a blade of five inches or more; any throwing star, nunchaku, or other martial arts weapon; any billy club, blackjack, sap, bludgeon, cudgel, metal knuckles, or sand club; any slingshot; or spear; and, any stun gun.

Firearm: Any device that will expel, or is readily capable of expelling, a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, loaded or unloaded; and any projector of a bomb, or any object containing, or capable of producing and emitting any explosive or incendiary charge, noxious liquid or gas.

V.         PROCEDURE:
Any student of Sitting Bull College who has a weapon or firearm in violation of this Policy will be escorted to the office of the Academic Counselor to proceed with one of the following actions: 

  • A violation of this Policy by students is considered a violation of the SBC Code of Conduct, paragraph #9, which states:  “Failure to comply with directions of college official acting in performance of their duties.” Any student in possession of a weapon or firearm or any incident involving a student in possession of a weapon or firearm in violation of this Policy will be referred to the Academic Counselor.
  • If the Academic Counselor deems the possession of the weapon is without justification, the Academic Counselor will immediately call the BIA Tribal Police or Sheriff’s office.  The Academic Counselor will prepare a report and submit the report to the Vice President of Student Services.
  • The Vice President of Student Services will then handle the violation as a violation the Code of Conduct. 
  • If the situation occurs a second time with the same individual during the same academic year, the above procedure will be repeated.  However, at this point, the student will be placed on disciplinary dismissal until counseling is received.  Upon applying for reentry into the College, the individual must provide verification of counseling and an understanding of the SBC Weapons Policy to the Vice President of Student Services.

Exception:     If the student possessing a weapon is malicious in intent and harms another person or property, the College has the authority to expel the student immediately and permanently.