Eastern Florida State College Changes Campus Gun Policy

Eastern Florida State College changed its policy today to comply with a recent Florida appellate court ruling that said secured guns can be kept inside vehicles at Florida’s public universities, state colleges and community colleges.

The Eastern Florida policy states:
“It is lawful and is not a violation of Florida Statutes or EASTERN FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE policy/procedure 112 for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose within the interior of a private vehicle (conveyance), without a license, if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. Nothing in this policy prohibits the carrying of a legal firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a private conveyance when such firearm is being carried for a lawful use. [§790.115; §790.25; §790.251, Fla. Stat. (2013)]”

The new policy is listed in the college’s Procedures Manual that covers governance and in the Student Code of Conduct.

“The change goes into effect immediately and is in compliance with the court ruling,” said John Glisch, the college’s Associate Vice President for Communications.

The change follows a December decision by the 1st District Court of Appeal that overturned a University of North Florida policy that banned guns in vehicles on its campus.

As a result of the ruling, the state’s 12 public universities and 28 members of the Florida College System, which includes Eastern Florida State College, are reviewing their policies and changing them as necessary.

Eastern Florida had previously banned guns anywhere on its Titusville, Cocoa, Melbourne and Palm Bay campuses as had all other public institutions of higher education in the state.

With the exception of the new policy, active law enforcement officers and college-authorized personnel, Eastern Florida continues to prohibit guns elsewhere on its campuses, including classrooms, buildings and other facilities.

The entire policy reads as follows:

Procedure 112 Campus Safety and Security-Firearms and Weapons on Campus

This policy/procedure applies to all students, staff, faculty, administration, employees, and invitees to EASTERN FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE property/campuses.

A. Introduction
EASTERN FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE is committed to maintaining an educational and workplace environment that is free of violence. The College further recognizes the existence of extensive legislative acts and constitutional provisions pertaining to the rights and obligations of those who own or possess firearms, especially those addressing the right to carry, store, and transport firearms on one’s person and within motor vehicles.

B. Authority
1. While on college grounds or facilities or at college-sponsored activities and events, students, staff, faculty, administration, employees, and invitees, hereinafter referred to as “person”,  are prohibited from introducing, exhibiting, possessing, using, storing, buying or selling weapons, firearms, destructive devices, or explosives. [§790.001; §790.115, Fla. Stat. (2013)]

2. Exceptions: The following circumstances shall not be a violation of this policy/procedure:
a.    It is lawful and is not a violation of Florida Statute or EASTERN FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE policy/procedure 112 for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose within the interior of a private vehicle (conveyance), without a license, if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. Nothing in this policy prohibits the carrying of a legal firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a private conveyance when such firearm is being carried for a lawful use.
[§790.115; §790.25; §790.251, Fla. Stat. (2013)]

b.    A firearm in the possession of a law enforcement officer who is authorized to possess the firearm whether on or off duty, by the employing law enforcement agency.

c.    Any other possession of a firearm specifically authorized pursuant to the provisions of Fla. Stat. §790.115, (2013).