ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Michigan Supreme Court has opted not to review a lower court’s ruling that upheld the University of Michigan’s prohibition on firearms on campus, affirming the university’s 2001 policy.
The decision came after the state’s highest court dismissed an appeal from a plaintiff who argued that the gun ban infringes on constitutional rights.
This ruling follows a 2023 decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals that supported the university’s stance on firearms on campus, indicating that the policy remains in effect.

In its ruling, the appeals court noted the ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness of gun bans as a measure for public safety.
It recognized that while opinions may differ, the university is classified as an educational institution, which qualifies it as a sensitive environment.
Therefore, the responsibility falls on the university’s leadership to formulate policies that address safety concerns in a manner they find appropriate.

Two justices from the Michigan Supreme Court, David Viviano and Brian Zahra, expressed a desire to hear the case, suggesting that the appeals court may have misinterpreted the implications of the gun ban.
They pointed out that the current ruling results in what effectively amounts to a significant restriction on firearm possession across much of Ann Arbor.
This legal outcome solidifies the university’s ability to control its campus environment in light of public safety priorities.