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IECC is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the IECC community and its guests. In support of this commitment, IECC prohibits the possession, use, and/or storage of weapons on IECC property, with limited exceptions outlined below.
Definitions
“Concealed firearm" means a loaded or unloaded handgun carried on or about a person completely or mostly concealed from view of the public or on or about a person within a vehicle.
"Handgun" means any device which is designed to expel a projectile or projectiles by the action of an explosion, expansion of gas, or escape of gas that is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand.
“IECC property” means any property owned, leased, occupied, operated, or otherwise controlled by Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, including but not limited to vehicles, academic and auxiliary buildings, entrances to buildings, classrooms, laboratories, residence halls, elevators, stairwells, restrooms, roofs, meeting rooms, hallways, lobbies, conference facilities, athletic complexes, exterior open spaces, lots, driveways, loading docks, sidewalks, and walkways.
"Licensee" means a person issued a valid license to carry a concealed handgun.
“Weapon” includes, but is not limited to:
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Firearm, handgun, firearm ammunition, BB gun, pellet gun, paintball gun, tear gas gun, stun, taser, or other similar type devices;
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Dagger, dirk, knife with a blade of at least 3 inches in length, stiletto, ax, hatchet, or other deadly or other similar type devices;
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Bludgeon, blackjack, slingshot, sandbag, sand club, metal knuckles, billy club, throwing star, nunchaku, or other similar type devices;
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Bomb, bombshell, grenade, firework, bottle, or other container containing an explosive, toxic, or noxious substance (other than an object containing a nonlethal noxious liquid, gas, or substance designed solely for personal defense possessed by a person 18 years of age or older);
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Dangerous chemicals or fuels; and
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Any other weapons outlined in Article 33 of the Illinois Criminal Code of 2012 (720 ILCS 5/33A-1).
Prohibited Activities
IECC prohibits all employees (faculty and staff), students, and individuals visiting or conducting business on IECC property from possessing, carrying, displaying, brandishing, storing, or using/discharging any weapon (including firearms) on IECC property, even if that person has a valid federal or state license to possess or carry the weapon.
Weapon Prohibition Exceptions
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Possession for instructional/research purposes. Weapons used in connection with safety or education courses are permitted in prohibited for the limited purpose of instruction, research, and/or curriculum in officially recognized district approved educational programs, including but not limited to gunsmithing. Further, firearms are permissible in approved courses and at approved sites for purposes of instruction and attainment of concealed carry permits.
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Possession by law enforcement. Weapons are permitted in prohibited areas for use by on duty law enforcement personnel conducting official business.
- Concealed firearms in a parking lot. Under the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66/1), a licensee shall be permitted to carry a concealed firearm on or about his or her person within a vehicle when entering into or exiting from an IECC parking area and may store a firearm or ammunition concealed in a case within a locked vehicle or locked container out of plain view within the vehicle in the parking area. For purposes of this exception, "case" includes a glove compartment or console that completely encloses the concealed firearm or ammunition, the trunk of the vehicle, or a firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container. Additionally, a licensee may carry a concealed firearm in the immediate area surrounding his or her vehicle within an IECC parking lot area only for the limited purpose of storing within or retrieving a firearm from the vehicle's trunk. However, the firearm must be unloaded at the time the individual exits the vehicle or retrieves the firearm from the trunk.
Posting of Signs
IECC shall clearly and conspicuously post signs at the entrance to buildings, premises, or real property to signify weapons are prohibited. Signs shall be of a uniform design and shall comply with established state regulations as to size and content. Unless otherwise provided herein or by applicable law, the failure of IECC to post a sign in accordance with this paragraph shall not comprise a defense to a charge of violation of this policy and any applicable sanctions.
Violation of Policy
Students in violation of this policy are subject to disciplinary action per the Student Code of Conduct. Employees in violation of this policy are subject to disciplinary action which may include dismissal. Visitors in violation of this policy are subject to removal/restriction from IECC property. Violations of this policy may result in law enforcement involvement and violators may be subject to criminal prosecution.
Violations of this policy should be reported to the Chancellor or any one of the Presidents/Vice-Chancellors.