SA0875 – Firearms

SECTION 1. Policy Statement

1. Firearm Prohibited Unless Authorized by Law
   1. Generally, the University prohibits its employees from carrying or possessing firearms.
   2. The University permits employees to carry or possess firearms on University property only as authorized by law.
   3. Unless authorized by this policy, an employee shall not possess or carry a firearm:
      1. While on University property, or
      2. While acting within the course and scope of their employment
2. Authorized Possession or Carrying of Firearms
   1. Generally
      1. This Section II describes circumstances when an employee may possess or carry a firearm.
   2. Parking Areas
      1. In accordance with Tennessee law (Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1313), and unless expressly prohibited by federal law, an employee (regardless of HR0105 – Employment Status) who is the holder of a valid handgun carry permit or is a person authorized to carry without a permit may transport and store a firearm or firearm ammunition in the employee’s private motor vehicle while on or utilizing a parking area if:
         1. The employee’s motor vehicle is parked in a location where the motor vehicle is permitted to be; and
         2. The firearm or ammunition being transported or stored in the motor vehicle:
            1. Is kept from ordinary observation if the employee is in the motor vehicle; or
            2. Is kept from ordinary observation and locked within the trunk, glove box, or interior of the employee’s motor vehicle or a container securely affixed to such motor vehicle if the employee is not in the motor vehicle.
      2. An employee transporting, storing, or both transporting and storing a firearm or firearm ammunition in accordance with this paragraph does not violate the prohibition in section II(B) of this policy if the firearm or firearm ammunition is observed by another person or security device during the ordinary course of the employee securing the firearm or firearm ammunition from observation in or on a motor vehicle.
      3. An employee transporting, storing, or both transporting and storing a firearm or firearm ammunition in their motor vehicle does not violate the prohibition in section II(B) of this policy if they are traveling in their motor vehicle on a public roadway as long as the firearm and firearm ammunition are kept from ordinary observation.
      4. For purposes of section II(B), the term “motor vehicle” does not include any motor vehicle that is owned, operated, or controlled by the University and that is provided by the University to an employee for use during the course of employment.
   3. Full-Time Employees with Handgun Carry Permits
      1. In accordance with Tennessee law (Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1309(e)(11)), a full-time employee who is the holder of a valid handgun carry permit may carry a concealed handgun on University property if the employee satisfies all of the following requirements:
         1. The employee shall have the handgun carry permit in the employee’s immediate possession at all times when carrying a handgun and shall display the permit on demand of a law enforcement officer.
         2. Prior to carrying the handgun, the employee shall provide written notification to the law enforcement agency or agencies with jurisdiction over the University property on which the employee will be carrying a handgun. The employee shall provide written notification to the law enforcement agency or agencies in compliance with each applicable law enforcement agency’s policies and procedures concerning notification of the intent to carry a handgun.
         3. The employee shall not carry a handgun openly or in any other manner in which the handgun is visible to ordinary observation by a reasonable person unless the employee is carrying, displaying, or employing the handgun in justifiable self-defense or in justifiable defense of another during the commission of a crime in which the employee or the other person defended was a victim.
         4. The employee shall not carry a handgun at the following times or at the following locations:
            1. Stadiums, gymnasiums, or auditoriums where University- sponsored events are in progress (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1309(e)(11)(C)(v)(a)). If a gymnasium or auditorium is contained within a University building or facility, then the employee may carry a handgun in other parts of the building or facility in which University-sponsored events are not in progress.
            2. In meetings regarding employee disciplinary matters, student disciplinary matters, or tenure issues (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1309(e)(11)(C)(v)(b)-(c)). In advance of a meeting regarding such matters, the person organizing the meeting (e.g., supervisor) should inform all employees who will be involved in the meeting that such a matter will be discussed during the meeting. An entire building or facility does not become a prohibited handgun-carry location by virtue of a disciplinary or tenue meeting occurring within the building or facility.
            3. A hospital, a student health or counseling center, or an office where medical or mental health services are the primary services provided (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17- 1309(e)(11)(C)(v)(d)).
            4. On property not owned by the University, if the property owner has prohibited the carrying of firearms on the property.
            5. Any location where a provision of state or federal law, except the posting provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17- 1359, prohibits the carrying of a handgun on that property (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17- 1309(e)(11)(C)(v)(e)), such as the following locations:
               1. On the premises of a child care agency, in any vehicle used by a child care agency to transport children, or in the presence of a child being cared for by a child care agency (Source: Rules of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Chapter 1240-04-03, Licensure Rules for Child Care Centers);
               2. In or on any public or private K-12 school building, bus, school campus, grounds, recreation area, athletic field or any other property owned, operated, or while in use by any K-12 board of education, school, or directors for the administration of any public or private K-12 educational institution, unless the employee is permitted to carry a handgun pursuant to a policy adopted by a private K-12 school in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-50-803, and the employee is carrying a handgun in compliance with the private institution’s policy (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1309);
               3. In or on any building, bus, campus, grounds, recreation area, athletic field or any other University property owned, operated, or while in use by private institution of higher education, unless the employee is permitted to carry a handgun pursuant to a policy adopted by a private institution of higher education in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-161, and the employee is carrying a handgun in compliance with the private institution’s policy (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39- 17-1309);
               4. A public park, playground, civic center or other building facility, area or property which, at the time of the employee’s possession of a handgun, the employee knows or should know is being used by board of education, school, college or University board of trustees, regents, or directors for the administration of any public or private educational institution for the purpose of conducting an athletic event or other University-related activity on an athletic field, permanent or temporary, including but not limited to, a football or soccer field, tennis court, basketball court, track, running trail, Frisbee field, or similar multi-use field (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1311);
               5. Inside any room in which judicial proceedings are in progress (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1306);
               6. A federal facility (including UT Tower in downtown Knoxville). (Source: 18 United States Code § 1930)
   4. Instructional and Ceremonial Purposes
      1. An employee may possess or carry a firearm for a University-approved instructional or ceremonial purpose. (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1309).
   5. Armed Forces, National Guard, Militia
      1. An employee who is also employed in the army, air force, navy, coast guard or marine service of the United States or any member of the Tennessee National Guard may possess or carry a firearm on University property when in discharge of their official duties and acting under orders requiring them to carry a firearm. In addition, an employee who is an officer or soldier of the militia or the National Guard may possess or carry a firearm on University property when called into actual service. (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1309(e)).
   6. Law Enforcement Officers
      1. An employee who is an officer of the state, or of any county, city or town, charged with the enforcement of the laws of the state, may possess or carry a firearm on University property when discharging the employee’s official duties (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1309(e)). Any law enforcement officer may carry firearms, on-duty or off-duty, regardless of the officer’s regular duty hours or assignments, except as provided by Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1350, federal law, or the written directives of the executive supervisor of the officer’s employing agency. (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39- 17-1350).
   7. ROTC, Course, Club, or Team Duties
      1. An employee who is a member of the reserve officers training corps (ROTC), is enrolled in a University course of instruction, or is a member of a University club or team may possess or carry a firearm on University property when required to do so while discharging the employee’s official duties for the ROTC, course, club, or team. (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1309(e)).
   8. Private Police
      1. Any private police employed by the University may possess or carry a firearm on University property when discharging their duties. (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1309(e)).
   9. Registered Security Guard
      1. An employee who is a registered security guard/officer who meets the requirements of title 62, chapter 35 of the Tennessee Code, may possess or carry a firearm on University property when discharging the employee’s official duties to the University. (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39- 17-1309(e)).
   10. Hunting
       1. An employee may possess or carry a firearm while hunting during the lawful hunting season on University property designated as open to hunting by the Chancellor responsible for oversight of the University property. An employee also may possess or carry unloaded hunting weapons while traversing University property for the purpose of gaining access to public or private lands open to hunting with the intent to hunt on the public or private lands unless University property is posted prohibiting entry. (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1310).
   11. Institute of Agriculture
       1. An employee of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture or a college or department of agriculture at a campus in the University of Tennessee system may possess or carry a firearm when in the discharge of the employee’s official duties and with prior authorization from the Chancellor of the University of Tennessee Knoxville. (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1309(e)(12))
       2. An employee of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture or a college or department of agriculture at a campus in the University of Tennessee system, and any member of the employee’s household, living in a residence owned, used, or operated by the University of Tennessee, if the employee has prior authorization from the Chancellor of the University of Tennessee Knoxville and the employee and household members are permitted to possess firearms in a privately-owned residence under Tennessee and federal law. (Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17- 1309(e)(12)).
3. Confidentiality
   1. Except as otherwise stated in this policy, information received by a University law enforcement agency pursuant to this policy about a full-time employee’s election to carry a handgun:
      1. Shall be kept confidential and shall not be open for public inspection;
      2. Shall not be disclosed to any person or entity other than to the following, in the law enforcement agency’s discretion:
         1. Another law enforcement agency, but only for law enforcement purposes; or
         2. An administrative officer who is responsible for emergency management for the campus or institute, but only if the administrative officer is not the employee’s immediate supervisor or a supervisor responsible for evaluating the employee. An administrative officer who receives confidential information about an employee’s election to carry a handgun shall not disclose the information to another person or entity.
      3. Information that shall be kept confidential under this policy includes the employee’s name and any other information that might identify the employee as a person who has elected to carry a handgun.
      4. In the interests of the safety, an employee (other than law enforcement officers and others authorized by this policy to carry or use firearms openly) who elects to possess a firearm or carry a handgun should use good judgment in sharing or publicizing such information.
      5. Supervisors shall not ask employees in their line of supervision whether they carry a handgun.
      6. A University law enforcement agency may disclose information concerning an employee’s violation of this policy and/or the law to University employees who are not part of the law enforcement agency for the purposes of imposing disciplinary action.
4. Firearm Training
   1. University law enforcement agencies are authorized to develop and implement a course or courses of special or supplemental firearm training to be offered to the employees electing to carry a handgun pursuant to this policy. Such courses shall:
      1. Include information about firearm safety.
      2. Be voluntary, i.e., a full-time employee’s right to carry a handgun pursuant to this policy is not contingent on the employee completing a course(s) offered by a University law enforcement agency.
   2. University law enforcement agencies are authorized to charge employees a reasonable fee for enrollment in a firearm training course.
5. Personal Choice to Possess or Carry a Firearm
   1. Unless possessing or carrying a handgun is a requirement of an employee’s job, possessing or carrying a firearm is a personal choice of the employee and is not a requirement of the University.
   2. Consequently, unless possessing or carrying a firearm is a requirement of an employee’s job, an employee who possesses or carries a firearm on University property is not:
      1. Acting in the course of or scope of their employment when carrying or using the firearm
      2. Entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Tennessee law or
      3. University policy for injuries arising from the carrying or use of a firearm
      4. Immune from personal liability with respect to using or carrying a firearm under Tennessee law
      5. Permitted to carry a firearm openly, or in any other manner in which the firearm is visible to ordinary observation.

SECTION 2. Reason for the Policy

To create and maintain a safe educational and working environment for students and employees by establishing rules for employees for possessing and carrying firearms on University property.

SECTION 3. Scope and Application

This policy applies to all University employees.

SECTION 4. Procedures

Please contact the applicable University law enforcement agency.

SECTION 5. Definitions

Carry: The term “carry” means to have a firearm: (1) in one’s hand; (2) on one’s body; or (3) in a container (e.g., purse, handbag, brief case) that is in one’s hand, on one’s body, or in such close proximity to one’s body that the firearm is both readily accessible and under one’s exclusive control.

Disciplinary Matter: The term “disciplinary matter” means a matter addressed in HR0525 – Disciplinary Action (e.g., corrective action (oral/written), suspension without pay, demotion, or termination).

Enrolled: The term “enrolled” means to be registered for an academic offering at the University during the current academic term or period, whether or not the academic offering is for credit or not for credit. The term “enrolled” does not include being registered for: (1) an academic offering that is delivered exclusively online with no requirement for the student to appear on University property to complete the academic offering; or (2) a University employee and organizational development (EOD) course.

Firearm: The term “firearm” means any weapon designed, made or adapted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or any device readily convertible to that use.

Full-Time Employee: The term “full-time employee” means a University employee who:

1. is classified as “full-time” under HR0105 – Employment Status and
2. is not enrolled as a student at the University.

Handgun: The term “handgun” means any firearm with a barrel length of less than twelve inches (12”) that is designed, made, or adapted to be fired with one (1) hand.

Motor Vehicle: The term “motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle as defined in Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-1-103. For purposes of this policy: the term “motor vehicle” does not include any motor vehicle that is owned, operated, or controlled by the University and that is provided by the University to an employee for use during the course of employment.

Parking Area: The term “parking area” means property provided by the University, a business entity, public or private employer, or the owner, manager, or legal possessor of the property for the purpose of permitting invitees, customers, clients, or employees to park privately owned motor vehicles.

Possess: The term “possess” means either: (1) carry; or (2) the ability and intention at any given time to exercise control over a firearm. Examples of possessing a firearm include, without limitation, the presence of a firearm on or about the employee or in a motor vehicle, desk, lunch box, locker, tool kit, bag, purse, brief case, cabinet, or office.

University: The term “University” means all of the campuses, centers, and institutes of The University of Tennessee, and all their constituent parts, and The University of Tennessee system administration.

University Property: The term “University property” means: (1) all land, grounds, structures, and any other real property owned, controlled, or while in use by the University; and (2) all motor vehicles owned, controlled, or while in use by the University.

University-Sponsored Event: The term “University-sponsored event” means an event that is funded or conducted primarily by a University unit. However, the following are not University-sponsored events for the purposes of this policy:

1. a regularly-scheduled part of the curriculum of a University course or program (e.g., course lecture)
2. an event conducted by a registered student organization
3. an event that is conducted by a person or entity to whom the University has leased or licensed University property (e.g., a concert promoted by a private entity; a high school graduation)

Valid Handgun Carry Permit: The term “valid handgun carry permit” means a current handgun carry permit issued by the State of Tennessee under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1351 or issued by another state that is current and has been given reciprocity under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1351.

Person Authorized To Carry Without a Permit: As provided in Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1307(g), the term “person authorized to carry without a permit” means a person who (1) is not forbidden to carry a firearm under Tennessee law (for example, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1307(b), relating to persons who have been convicted of certain felony offenses); and (2) (a) is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; or (b) is at least eighteen (18) years of age and (i) is an honorably discharged or retired veteran of the United States armed forces; (ii) is an honorably discharged member of the army national guard, the army reserve, the navy reserve, the marine corps reserve, the air national guard, the air force reserve, or the coast guard reserve, who has successfully completed a basic training program; or (iii) is a member of the United States armed forces on active duty status or is a current member of the army national guard, the army reserve, the navy reserve, the marine corps reserve, the air national guard, the air force reserve, or the coast guard reserve, who has successfully completed a basic training program; and (3) lawfully possesses the handgun; and (4) is in a place where the person is lawfully present.

SECTION 6. Penalties/Disciplinary Action for Non-Compliance

1. An employee who is found to have possessed or carried a firearm in violation of this policy will be subject to arrest and/or disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
2. An employee’s conduct will be evaluated based on whether they knew or should have known that they were violating this policy by carrying a handgun at a particular time or location.
3. No department or unit head or other management official, employee exercising supervisory authority, or other employee or contractor shall discharge or take any adverse employment action against an employee solely for transporting or storing a firearm or firearm ammunition in a parking area in compliance with this policy.
4. No department or unit head or other management official, employee exercising supervisory authority, or other employee or contractor shall discharge or take any adverse employment action against a full-time employee solely because that employee carries a handgun in compliance with this policy or because the employee chooses not to disclose to another University employee (who is not a part of a University law enforcement agency) whether they are carrying a handgun.

SECTION 7. Responsible Official & Additional Contacts

Law Enforcement Agency Contact Information: Questions about possessing or carrying firearms, including questions about notifying law enforcement about one’s intent to carry a handgun on University property, should be referred to the following law enforcement agencies:

Campus/Institute	Contact
Knoxville (including Knoxville-area UT system, IPS, and Institute of Agriculture employees)	UT Police Department 1101 Cumberland Ave Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-3114 utpolice@utk.edu
Chattanooga	UTC Police Department Administration Building Department 3954 400 Palmetto St Chattanooga, TN 37403 423-425-4357
Health Science Center	UTHSC Police Department 740 Court Avenue Memphis, TN 38163 901-448-4444 utpolice@uthsc.edu
Martin	UTM Department of Public Safety 215 Hurt Street (Crisp Hall) 731-881-7777 mbelew3@utm.edu
Space Institute	Franklin County Sheriff’s Office 420 Wilton Circle Winchester, TN 37398 931-962-0123 or UT Police Department 1101 Cumberland Ave Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-3114 utpolice@utk.edu
Southern	Pulaski Police Department 203 S. First Street, #7 Pulaski, TN 38478 931-424-4404 jtrev@utsouthern.edu
University employees working on UT Property over which a UT law enforcement agency does not have jurisdiction.	Please contact the law enforcement agency or agencies with jurisdiction over the University property on which the employee will be carrying a handgun.

SECTION 8. Policy History

List the history of any prior revisions of the policy or whether this policy replaces an existing policy. The forma below is merely a guide.

Revision 2: 06/01/2022

Revision 1: 02/09/2021

Original: 10/01/2017

SECTION 9. Related Policies/Guidance Documents

1. 18 United States Code § 1930
2. State of Tennessee PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 1061
3. Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1306 Carrying weapons during judicial proceedings
4. Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1307 Carrying or Possession of Weapons
5. Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1309 Carrying weapons on school property
6. Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1310 Affirmative defense to carrying weapons on school property
7. Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1311 Carrying weapons on public parks, playgrounds, civic centers and other public recreational buildings and grounds
8. Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1313 Transporting and storing a firearm or firearm ammunition in permit holder’s motor vehicle
9. Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1321 Possession of hand gun while under the influence
10. Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1350 Law enforcement officers permitted to carry firearms
11. Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1359 Prohibition at certain meetings
12. Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-1-103 Motor and Other Vehicles – Definitions
13. Rules of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Chapter 1240-04-03, Licensure Rules for Child Care Centers
14. HR0105 – Employment Status
15. HR0525 – Disciplinary Action

Questions about this policy and their answers can be found at Questions and Answers About UT Safety Policy SA0875 – Firearms.

Authority and Interpretation:

The University of Tennessee system safety officer is the responsible official for system safety policies. The University of Tennessee General Counsel and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Safety are the designated policy owners for policy SA0875 – Firearms. The policy owner interprets this policy and shall revise or eliminate any or all parts as necessary to meet the changing needs of the University of Tennessee with concurrence of the responsible official and approval of the Senior Policy Review Group.