Possession of Firearms and Other Dangerous Weapons Policy

I. General Policy Statement

The possession, whether concealed or otherwise, of firearms or other weapons as defined in NCGS 14-269.2 on the campus and grounds of MCC or off-campus locations where classes and/or activities are being conducted under the auspices or on behalf of the College is forbidden except as provided by statute or this policy.

II. Sanctions 

Any student or employee found to be in possession of a firearm or other weapon in violation of this policy is subject to immediate dismissal, termination, and/or prosecution in accordance with applicable statutes. Any other person in violation of this policy is, in addition to being subject to criminal prosecution under applicable statutes, subject to immediate expulsion from institutional facilities and prohibition against reentry.

III. Exceptions

Exceptions to the general policy statement include:

1. Sworn law enforcement officers may carry their firearms or other weapons on their person only while conducting official business on the campus and grounds of MCC.
2. Sworn law enforcement officers who enroll in educational classes and/or activities conducted under the auspices of the College may carry firearms or weapons only while attending classes or training that specifically require the use of such weapons at all times subject to institutional procedures and directives and orders of college representatives.
3. Subject to institutional procedures, college personnel are authorized to possess firearms and weapons incident to institutional programs for training and safety which require weaponry for educational purposes.
4. Effective October 1, 2013, this prohibition does not apply to a person who has a concealed handgun permit issued in accordance with Article 54B of GS 14-269, has a concealed handgun permit considered valid under GS 14-415.24, or is exempt from obtaining a permit pursuant to GS 14-415.25, provided the weapon is a handgun, is in a closed compartment or container within the person’s locked vehicle, and the vehicle is in a parking area that is owned or leased by State Government. A person may unlock the vehicle to enter or exit the vehicle, provided the handgun remains in the closed compartment at all times and the vehicle is locked immediately following the entrance or exit.

IV. Regulation

The President is authorized to develop and implement procedures for the safe use, storage and control of firearms and other weapons that may be necessary and appropriate for instructional aids in relevant educational programs and to further the implementation of this policy through more specific procedures.