Firearms, daggers, dirks, stilettos, knives with blades more than three inches in length, pocket knives opened by a mechanical device, iron bars or brass knuckles these are among the items banned under Article X of the University of Michigans Board of Regents Ordinance, which governs weapons on campus. While some of these items may be legal concerning concealed carry laws in the city of Ann Arbor, they are prohibited within campus boundaries. Article X prohibits anyone from possessing or using these items on property owned, leased, or controlled by the Regents, even for those who have a concealed carry permit. Pepper spray is notably absent from the list; however, Michigan state laws only allow for self-defense sprays or foam devices that contain, eject, or release no more than 35 grams of ingredients such as capsicum, CS gas, or ultraviolet dye. Violations of Article X are considered misdemeanors, punishable by imprisonment for up to 90 days and/or a fine of no more than $500. The only exceptions apply to law enforcement, Division of Public Safety and Security personnel, or if the executive director of the DPSS waives the ordinance for extraordinary circumstances. This restriction means University police may use items such as tasers, batons, and pepper spray against community members during protests. In contrast, students are banned from carrying many of the same tools for their self-defense. Law School Professor Luis C.deBaca, in an interview with The Michigan Daily, observed that the Universitys definition of dangerous weapons is broad and more restrictive than state or city law. "There are things that are not illegal out in Ann Arbor that might be a problem on campus because Weapons on Campus is part of the regions order ordinance," C.deBaca said. The law professor emphasized the misconceptions surrounding Michigans Stand Your Ground laws. "In Michigan, the law states that if youre in a place you have a legal right to be and youre not engaged in a crime, you do not have to retreat from an individual you believe to be engaged in a crime. Thats a nuanced point that many overlook, thinking it gives them the license to act without consequence." Despite the restrictive nature of campus policies, many students express ongoing fears about personal safety, especially at night. LSA senior Samantha Henkel shared her experience of carrying pepper spray during her first two years as a student at the University, saying, "At night is when I feel the most nervous, especially as a woman walking around. You never know what could happen, but I try my best to stay with at least one other person, and that helps me feel safer." The 2025 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report indicated concerning statistics: 23 reported cases of rape, five within on-campus residential halls, alongside multiple instances of fondling, aggravated assault, stalking, and domestic violence on campus property. Despite the alarming figures, only one reported case pertained to a weapon law violation. With most self-defense tools banned, some campus initiatives focus on training and prevention as legitimate alternatives to relying on physical weapons. Katie Edwards, a professor at the School of Social Work, runs the Interpersonal Violence Lab and co-leads IDEA3, a peer-led, evidence-based sexual assault prevention program. The program claims to have reduced rape victimization rates by 50% in female undergraduates. "Ninety percent of sexual assaults can be stopped with the use of voice," stated Edwards. "Training women to assertively say No prepares them for the most common situations, which often involve someone they know." The Universitys Equity, Civil Rights & Title IX Office also reported a concerning 983 complaints of sexual and gender-based misconduct, showcasing the high stakes of awareness and action on campus. Anne Huhman, director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center, stresses the necessity of bystander intervention stating, "Situational factors are paramount when determining whether to intervene in a harmful situation. Having practiced skills can greatly enhance the chances of a positive outcome." Erika Petterson, an LSA junior and volunteer with SAPAC, emphasized the importance of student education regarding available resources, saying, "Understanding whats available significantly contributes to feeling safe and prepared for potential uncomfortable situations." As the conversation around personal safety on campus continues to evolve, the need for informed and effective strategies remains critical.