Firearms, Deadly Weapons and Dangerous Ordnance FAQs

Q: Am I allowed to carry firearms on campus?

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code (ORC), no firearms, deadly weapons or dangerous ordnance are allowed on campus.

Q: If I have a license to carry a concealed weapon (a “CCW license”), can I carry my firearm on campus grounds and into NEOMED buildings?

No. Per Ohio Revised Code (ORC) section 2923.126, a valid CCW license does not authorize the licensee to carry a concealed handgun onto any premises owned by a public university unless the handgun is in a locked motor vehicle or the licensee is in the immediate process of placing the handgun in a locked motor vehicle.

Q: If I am a resident of The Village, am I permitted to have my firearm in my apartment?

No. Firearms are prohibited at The Village under ORC 2923.126, unless the handgun is in a locked motor vehicle. Furthermore, no weapon of any kind is permitted in the apartment buildings. Specifically, the Community Handbook for the Village states:

“Weapons. State law strictly prohibits the possession or use of any weapons, firearms, or explosive devices in Resident’s Apartment or about the Property. No weapon of any kind is permitted in the apartment buildings.  In the event Management discovers that Resident is in possession of a weapon, Management shall have the right to immediately notify local law enforcement authorities. Weapons or materials include, but are not limited to: handguns, automatic and semiautomatic firearms, compressed air guns (e.g., CO2 air guns/paintball guns), pellet guns, bb guns, or a weapon of any description, including but not limited to ballistic or explosive devices, incendiary devices, fireworks, ammunition, or knives used to either cause or infer harm to self or others. Violation of this provision is a violation of this Resident Agreement and grounds for removal. A single violation of any provision of this paragraph is grounds for immediate termination of the Resident Agreement. Proof of violation shall not require criminal charge or conviction but shall be by the civil standard of the preponderance of the evidence.”

Q: Ohio is an open carry state. Am I permitted to openly carry my firearm on campus property?

No. Per ORC section 2923.122, possession of a deadly weapon in a school safety zone is prohibited. Because Bio-Med Science Academy is located on NEOMED’s campus and the Academy’s students, faculty and staff traverse all areas of the NEOMED campus, the entire NEOMED campus has been designated a school safety zone.

Q: What is meant by ‘firearm?’

A ‘firearm’ means any deadly weapon capable of expelling or propelling one or more projectiles by the action of an explosive or combustible propellant.

Q: What is considered to be a ‘deadly weapon?’

‘Deadly weapon’ means any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried or used as a weapon.

Q: What is a ‘dangerous ordnance?’

A ‘dangerous ordnance’ means any of the following: Any automatic or sawed-off firearm, zip-gun, or ballistic knife; any explosive device or incendiary device; any firearm, rocket launcher, mortar, artillery piece, grenade, mine, bomb, torpedo, or similar weapon, designed and manufactured for military purposes, and the ammunition for that weapon; any firearm muffler or suppressor; and any combination of parts that is intended by the owner for use in converting any firearm or other device into a dangerous ordnance.

Q: What should I do if I see someone unlawfully carrying a ‘firearm,’ ‘deadly weapon?’ or ‘dangerous ordnance’ on campus?

You should find a safe place – out of sight and sound ― and call 9-1-1 as soon as possible.