Rhodes College prohibits possession of weapons of any type by students, staff, faculty, and visitors on College property (excluding handguns properly stored in motor vehicles pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1313), including and not limited to firearms of any type, B-B guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, stun guns, slingshots, bows and arrows, martial arts weapons, knives, chemical weapons, explosives or any other object or substance that could be used as a deadly weapon. Toy and water/squirt guns are not permitted on campus because they tend to look realistic and may be perceived by others to be a weapon.
Persons who remove their handgun from the motor vehicle are in violation of this policy and are subject to suspension, expulsion, termination, arrest or any combination of appropriate sanctions.
The sole exception to this policy is that Rhodes College complies with Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1313.
In accordance with TCA § 39-17-1313, a person who has a valid enhanced handgun carry permit, or concealed handgun carry permit, or who lawfully carries a handgun pursuant to § 39–17–1307(g) may, unless expressly prohibited by federal law, transport and store a firearm or firearm ammunition in the person’s motor vehicle if:
- The person’s vehicle is parked and located where it is permitted to be; AND
- The firearm or ammunition being transported or stored in the vehicle:
- Is kept from ordinary observation if the person is in the vehicle;
- Is kept from ordinary observation and locked within the trunk, glove box, or interior of the person’s motor vehicle or a container securely affixed to the vehicle if the person is not in the vehicle.
Any violation of this policy must be reported immediately to Campus Safety at 901-843-3880. Prohibition of such weapons extends to the property and/or vehicles controlled by an individual while on College property if that individual is not in compliance with TCA § 39-17-1313. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Director of Campus Safety.
Updated 9-15-2025