CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — People with concealed carry permits can possess firearms on West Virginia public college and university campuses under a state law that debuted Monday.
Institutions of higher learning can implement exceptions to the law, which bans the open carry of a firearm on campus.
Similar legislation has passed in 11 other states.
As the bill moved through the Legislature last year, the presidents of West Virginia’s largest schools told lawmakers that decisions about whether or not to allow guns on campus should be left to the institutions. They also voiced concerns about students struggling with mental health challenges.
When Republican Gov. Jim Justice signed the law in March 2023 he said he wanted the law to “send a message to the world, by God, if you want to mess with us, we can mess back.”
Schools are permitted to regulate firearms in residence halls, but not in common areas, including lounges, dining areas and study areas. The law also prohibits people from taking guns into areas with a capacity of more than 1,000 spectators — stadiums for football games, for example — or to on-campus daycare centers.
Exceptions to the law are allowed in rooms where a student or employee disciplinary proceeding is being held. Also, guns can be restricted in specifically designated areas where patient care or mental health counseling is being provided.
Colleges and universities must provide a secure location for storage of a pistol or revolver in at least one on-campus residence hall or to make safes available in residence rooms, which could come with a fee.
West Virginia University formed a campus safety group to address the law. Gun lockers are available to students living in residence halls for $140 per semester, said Dean of Students Corey Farris. He said the university has received five requests for gun lockers across its campuses, including four in Morgantown. The university has estimated it will cost $1 million to implement the law.
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People holding concealed carry permits in West Virginia can now have firearms on public college and university campuses due to a new state law that started on Monday. However, there are specific exceptions that institutions of higher learning can enforce, such as prohibiting open carry on campus. Similar laws have been enacted in 11 other states as well.
During the legislative process last year, the presidents of West Virginia’s major schools emphasized to lawmakers that decisions about allowing guns on campus should be at the discretion of the institutions. They also expressed concerns regarding students facing mental health issues. Governor Jim Justice, a Republican, signed the law in March 2023, emphasizing that it serves as a message of deterrence.
While colleges are allowed to regulate firearms in residence halls, they cannot do so in common communal areas like lounges, dining halls, and study spaces. The law also restricts firearms in locations with capacities exceeding 1,000 spectators, including sports stadiums, and on-campus daycare facilities. However, there are exceptions for rooms where student or employee disciplinary actions are taking place, as well as designated areas for patient care and mental health counseling.
Colleges and universities are required to provide secure storage for pistols or revolvers in at least one on-campus residence hall or offer safes in residence rooms, potentially at an additional cost. In response to the law, West Virginia University established a campus safety group. Gun lockers are available for $140 per semester to students residing in residence halls, with five locker requests received thus far. The estimated cost for implementing the law across the university’s campuses, including Morgantown, is projected to be $1 million.
