Firearms on Campus

It is the policy of Northern Essex Community College that no one is permitted to carry a firearm on the grounds or in a college building. The pertinent legislation, Chapter 269, section 10 of the Massachusetts General Laws states in part “(j) Whoever, not being a law enforcement officer, and notwithstanding any license obtained by him under the provisions of chapter one hundred and forty, carries on his person a firearm as hereinafter defined, loaded or unloaded or other dangerous weapon in any building or on the grounds of any elementary or secondary school, college or university without the written authorization of the board or officer in charge of such elementary or secondary school, college or university shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. For the purpose of this paragraph, “firearm” shall mean any pistol, revolver, rifle or smoothbore arm from which a shot, bullet or pellet can be discharged by whatever means.

Any officer in charge of an elementary or secondary school, college or university or any faculty member or administrative officer of an elementary or secondary school college or university failing to report violations of this paragraph shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars.”

Community members must report any suspected violation of this Policy/Law to the campus police at 978-556-3333.

Revised: 2021-2022 Academic Catalog (Effective Fall 2021)