University Policy POL11.35.1: Code of Student Conduct contains the following section:

Quote :

"14.1.23 Weapons Unauthorized use, possession or storage of any weapon on University premises or at University sponsored activities. The term weapon includes but is not limited to: gun, rifle, pistol, bow, dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, bowie knife, dirk, dagger, sword, num-chucks, sling shot, leaded cane, switch-blade knife, black jack, metallic knuckles, stun gun, and knife with a blade five or more inches in length. It also includes chemicals such as "mace," "pepper spray" or tear-gas (if used in an illegal manner)."

This policy makes an exemption for knives with a blade less than 5" long as not being defined as a weapon. However, in the text from N.C.G.S. 14-269.2 (HTML) subsection d. defines weapons that classify as a Class 1 misdemeanor as:

Quote :

"(d) It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, air pistol, bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slungshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors and razor blades (except solely for personal shaving), firework, or any sharp-pointed or edged instrument except instructional supplies, unaltered nail files and clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction, and maintenance, on educational property."

This definition would include all knives that are not expressly used in food preparation or in execution of studies. Being that state law would take precedence over NCSU, it would seem that the exemption made for "short-bladed" knives is moot at best. I see no exceptions that apply to N.C.G.S. 14-269.2, and this concerns me. There are people that want concealed carry on campus, but if we don't even have a right to a pocket knife, would politicians even consider exemptions for firearms? I'm asking if anyone knows of any exemptions made in the law, something that would allow carry, storage, or otherwise ownership of a pocket knife by a student on campus. If not, ask yourself if you believe that students on campus are able to be trusted with such an implement in their pocket, if so, we've possibly got work to do.

2/5/2009 10:58:17 PM

I say this in all seriousness when I urge you to master the noble martial art of bare knuckle death fighting. They can't take your fists from you.

2/5/2009 11:07:31 PM

^^ there is an exemption for people that live in those centennial campus town homes to have weapons but i think that they only want you to transport them to and from the town house and you have to let them know what you have

students could theoretically live there

2/5/2009 11:12:26 PM

awesome thread title
that will surely attract people that know what they're talking about

2/5/2009 11:16:37 PM

Quote :

"It also includes chemicals such as "mace," "pepper spray" or tear-gas (if used in an illegal manner)."

What a worthless sentence. If pepper spray were used in an illegal manner, it would be Assault. Why even mention it if it's legal?

As I understand it, the law against lock picks is written the same way...tools of the burglar are only illegal if used during a burglary. Instead of just being charged with burglary, the guy can also be charged with possession of burglary tools(be it a lock pick, crow bar, or even a brick).

I carried pepper spray all through college, especially when I went out drinking, and I'd urge everyone else to do the same.

2/5/2009 11:18:51 PM

Quote :

"^^ there is an exemption for people that live in those centennial campus town homes to have weapons but i think that they only want you to transport them to and from the town house and you have to let them know what you have students could theoretically live there"

I also looked up the print edition of the N.C.G.S. in D.H. Hill. It's unabridged and contains case law notes and commentary of the A.G. I'll report it as read:

Quote :

" OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL Faculty Member May Have Gun in Own Home Located on Campus. -- See opinion of Attorney General to Mr. Pritchard C. Smith, 41 N.C.A.G. 466 (1971). "

While I didn't look up the full details, it has been since 1971 that the laws have been interpreted that a faculty member may own firearms, which would most likely have been associated with something like the Chancellor's residence. Even if students can theoretically own weapons on a private residence located on campus, there's still very limited and strict views expressed by the law.]

2/5/2009 11:20:06 PM

feb 10th. 7:30 pm. I Heart NY pizza. Students for Campus Concealed Carry mtg. Bring this up there- you should get good feedback.

btw- the title of this thread is what drew me to click on it.

2/6/2009 12:45:26 AM

Yeah, I've read all of Chapter 14 and have copy of it around here somewhere. There are a few other NCGS chapters I refer to often as well.

2/6/2009 1:00:47 AM

They should consider SUVs a weapon while they're at it.

2/6/2009 5:14:21 AM

I carry my pocket knife and a few multi-tools with knives everyday. It is my understanding that this is not illegal.

2/6/2009 7:59:12 AM

I know many many females that carry a knife, mace, etc. for self protection. And plenty of guys carry a knife. I carry a leatherman, meant for tool purposes more than anything (screwdriver is always handy).

Follow the intent of the law, not the word. I have yet to see someone on campus arrested for carrying any of the above. Now if you use it, and its not in self defense, thats when they normally apply it.

For the record, I clicked on it to see which law we were discussing.

Nitrocloud, also, after noting you posted, started wondering why/when you got picked up for carry...lol

2/6/2009 8:38:23 AM

It has been my understanding that it is not illegal to carry a folding knife on campus as long as it is under 5". (I could have sworn it was changed to 3.5'' last year, but I never verified anything)

I have heard of one instance, from a student of mine, that his pocket knife was confiscated by a campus officer. I don't have details, but it was interesting.

2/8/2009 1:31:19 AM

Just talked to a NCSU officer for a few minutes as he was on his rounds. He says that carrying a pocket knife is legal as long as it's short bladed (policy reads < 5"), but I still don't see how this can be true with the way 14-269.2 is written. Even if it's accepted that someone can carry a knife on campus, it is important to have the law amended such that it's not disallowed in the future by a far more oppressing executor.

2/8/2009 2:29:04 AM