A weapons violation includes the possession, exhibiting, displaying, or use of any firearm, explosive, dangerous chemical, knife, or other instrument capable of inflicting serious bodily harm in circumstances that are reasonably perceived as causing alarm for the safety of any person. The term weapons violation includes any threat to use a weapon to harm any person and the use of any fake weapon or replica to cause the apprehension of harm. Weapons violation does not include the lawful possession of any personal protection spray device authorized under RCW 9.91.160. The term weapons violation further includes possession on college premises of any firearm or other dangerous weapon in violation of public law, this chapter, or college policy. Examples include, but are not limited to:

(1) Firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or other dangerous weapons or instrumentalities not permitted on campus premises, except for authorized campus purposes, or unless prior written approval has been obtained from the college president or designee. Exceptions include:

(a) Commissioned law enforcement personnel or legally authorized military personnel acting within the scope of their employment;

(b) Private contracted security with expressed prior written permission from the college president or designee to possess firearms or dangerous weapons while employed by the college or for a permitted or contracted event;

(c) Students with legally issued concealed weapons permits may store their weapons in vehicles that are parked on campus in accordance with RCW 9.41.050 provided the vehicle is locked and the weapon is concealed from view. In addition, the owner of the weapon must adhere to RCW 9.41.360 whereby a prohibited person(s) may not gain access to the weapon;

(d) Knives, tools, and other objects that are being used for a legitimate educational purpose as part of a college instructional program; or

(e) The president or designee may authorize permission of a weapon on campus upon a determination that the weapon is reasonably related to a legitimate pedagogical purpose. Such permission shall be in writing and shall be subject to such terms or conditions incorporated in the written permission.

(2) Firearms include, but are not limited to, what are commonly known as air guns or rifles, BB guns, and pellet guns, and any instrument used in the propulsion of shot, shell, bullets, or other harmful objects by:

(a) The action of gunpowder or other explosives;

(b) The action of compressed air; or

(c) The power of springs or other forms of propulsion.

(3) The exhibition or display of a replica or a dangerous weapon also is prohibited under this subsection if done in a manner, and at a time or place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.