Weapons on Campus

Weapons Policy

In May 2024, Colorado GovernorJared Polis signed a law making it a misdemeanor to knowingly carry a firearm onto certain sensitive areas, which includes school grounds. The law took effect July 1 and includes the open and concealed carry of firearms.

On June 21, 2024, members of the Board of Regents resolved to amend weapons policiesto align with state law.

of the Regents of the University of Colorado andmake it unlawful to carry weapons while on the grounds of the University of Colorado.

The CU Board of Regents policy prevents the open display of weapons, including guns, explosives and knives on campus. Only law enforcement officials who display their badges are allowed to openly display weapons while on campus.

Furthermore,鶹Ƶ housing regulations do not permit the storing of weapons in residence halls.

In addition to possible criminal penalties, any weapons violations on or off campus may result in either suspension from, or severance of the relationship with, the university. This policy applies within or upon the grounds, buildings, or any other facilities of the university.

For more details on weapons rules for on-campus housing, please see thisnews release.

Concealed Carry on Campus

Colorado Senate Bill 24-131, signed into law and in effect as of July 1, 2024, prohibits a person from knowingly carrying a firearm, both openly and concealed, in a government building including on public college or public university campuses, exceptions for concealed carry permit holders carrying in the parking areas of a college or university.

In accordance with Colorado Revised Statute 18-12-206, individuals carrying concealed handguns in parking areas must have a issued by a Colorado sheriff.

Concealed Handgun Permit Reciprocity

Pursuant to Colorado law (CRS 18-12-213), the State of Colorado will issued in another state IF the permit was issued to a resident of the state issuing the permit, and the permit tee is 21 yrs of age or older, AND the other state recognizes Colorado permits as valid in their state.

The state of Colorado no longer recognizes the validity of any permit issued by any state to a nonresident of that state (see C.R.S 18-12-213 amended 2007), specifically they must be a resident of the state that issued the concealed handgun permit and must be in possession of a valid drivers license or identification card issued by that same state.

Weapons Waiver for An Event on Campus

The below information is a guide to assist you in requesting a waiver for the use, demonstration, or display of weapons or simulated weapons in conjunction with your special event on the University of Colorado at Boulder Campus. The possession of weapons on campus for use in special events is prohibited by of the Regents of the University of Colorado, except when prior written approval of the campus’ Chief of Police has been obtained.

As used in the context of this guide, the term “weapon” applies to any item, which in the manner it is used or intended to be used is capable of producing, or causing in persons the fear of, bodily injury or death. Examples of such items include but are not limited to: simulated firearms; knives or other bladed items (e.g., swords, sabers, spears); striking devices (e.g., bludgeons, clubs, canes, wooden swords, nunchakus); and replicas or likenesses of such devices.

If your event is requesting the use of a prop firearm or simulated gun of any kind, you are required to attach a picture of the prop firearm to your request.

For all weapons waiver requests, the CUPD needs two weeks prior notice to your event.

When writing your waiver request letter please be sure to describe the following conditions:

  1. That the weapons will only be used/brandishedwithinthe [detail of location].
  2. That the weapons that will be used during the [event name] are the only weapons that will be brought onto campus in association with this event.
  3. While on campus the weapons must be either secured, i.e., locked in an automobile trunk, locker or another space than cannot be accessed or viewed by the public or;
  4. During any period of time that the weapons are unsecured they must be attended by the person designated to use them, or by an associate assigned responsibility for maintaining security regarding them.
  5. When moved about campus, e.g., to and from cars to the event location; the weapons should be placed in a carrying case or similar item that hides them from public view.
  6. The members of your event management group will coordinate the posting of signage at the event advising attendees and passersby that your event uses simulated weapons only.
  7. While standing by and in possession of weapons, participants in the event should be sensitive to the impacts that the brandishing of weapons can have upon members of the public, and not engage in behaviors that might reasonably be expected to create alarm or fear for personal safety on the part of persons moving through the areas occupied by persons in possession of weapons.
  8. No less than one hour prior to your event’s start, you or someone from your organization must place a call to the University of Colorado at Boulder Police Department’s dispatch center advising them of your pending demonstration, its location, and the approximate time it is scheduled to occur. Our dispatch center can be reached at 303-492-6666.
  9. You will also provide our dispatch center with the number of a cellular phone that will be in the possession of an event manager during the course of the event, to support our ability to contact a responsible person for the activity should the need arise.
  10. Events with Weapons Waivers will require approved police or security oversight.

You may use thisexample weapons waiver as a template for your letter.

You may direct your letter by hard copy or digital email copy to:

Sgt. Matt DeLaria
CU Boulder Police Department
1050 Regent Drive - UCB 502
Boulder, CO 80534

Please email a copy of the request to Sgt. DeLaria.