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We, the Purdue community and its supporters, call on Purdue University to amend its Firearms and Weapons Policy to explicitly permit students and staff to possess non-lethal self-defense tools like handheld Tasers, stun guns, and pepper gel on campus. This change is critical to ensuring personal safety and empowering individuals to protect themselves in dangerous situations.
Purdue’s current policy bans these tools, leaving students and staff vulnerable. In 2023, campus crime reports showed over 30 incidents of assault or robbery across Purdue’s campuses, with Tippecanoe County reporting 45 rapes near university grounds in 2022. Non-lethal tools, proven to deter attacks in over 90% of encounters per studies, are a necessary response.
We propose the policy allow these tools for self-defense, with guidelines ensuring responsible use—no pre-registration required—and secure storage in campus housing. This aligns Purdue with institutions like the University of North Florida, which safely permit such tools.
This change would enhance safety, reinforce Purdue’s commitment to its community’s well-being, and position it as a leader in individual rights. We urge the Office of Public Safety and Board of Trustees to act immediately to amend the policy.