Carry permits on Alabama college campuses - Haygood Cleveland Pierce Thompson & Short

Can I Carry A Concealed Weapon on the Auburn University Campus?

With the recurring shootings on school and college campuses in recent years some favor the right to carry a concealed weapon on campuses while others feel more gun restrictions are necessary. As the topic has been addressed, certain states have allowed students to carry a concealed weapon, while others have banned students, faculty and others from doing so. Other states allow college and university campuses to decide individually.

According to a study conducted by the Citizens Crime Commission of New York City, campus shootings increased from 12 to nearly 30 in just 5 years, from the 2010-11 school year to the 2015-16 school year. There have nearly 200 shootings on campuses since 2001 with the highest number of incidents occurring in California, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida. Let’s explore what the laws are in different states as well as on the Auburn University campuses.

What Do the States Say?

States That Allow Some or All To Carry a Concealed Weapon on Public Campuses

Most recently Georgia and Arkansas joined the states that allow you to carry a concealed weapon on campus. They join Tennessee which allows faculty to carry a concealed weapon on campuses, but not students and the public. In addition Wisconsin, Colorado, Utah, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Texas, and Idaho allow faculty, students, and others to conceal and carry weapons.

States That Don’t Allow You To Carry a Concealed Weapon on Campus

Although all states allow its citizens to carry a concealed weapon if they follow the law, 16 states ban the conceal and carry on campuses. These include:

  • Illinois
  • Nevada
  • Florida
  • California
  • Louisiana
  • North Dakota
  • Wyoming
  • New Jersey
  • South Carolina
  • Michigan
  • New Mexico
  • Nebraska
  • Massachusetts
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Missouri

States Where Individual Institutions Decide

The remaining 23 states allow individual colleges and universities to decide and put forth their own policies for conceal and carry of weapons on campuses or at campus events.

Can I Carry A Concealed Weapon on the Auburn University Campus?

Since Alabama is a state where individual colleges and universities decide if someone can carry a concealed weapon on campus, Auburn University has decided against this. According to their Dangerous Weapons and Firearms Policy, “Auburn University prohibits the possession and use of any dangerous or potentially dangerous weapon(s) or instruments, including but not limited to those described below, on all University properties, with limited exceptions.” The weapons listed include all types of firearms, the frame of firearms, a firearm muffler or silencer, or ammunition. It also includes non-culinary knives including fixed or lock blade, but not regular pocket knives or tools that would appropriately be used on campus. The list goes on to ban:

  • Stun guns
  • Tasers
  • Air guns
  • Bow and arrow
  • Swords
  • Brass knuckles
  • Crossbows
  • Fireworks or explosives

The only exceptions to this policy would need to be approved in writing by the Executive Director of Campus Safety and Security for educational, demonstration or job related purposes.

The policy states that it applies to all members of the university including faculty, staff, students, visitors, contract workers, and guests at any campus facility or event. However the policy does state that employees may possess a properly maintained firearm “in a personal vehicle in a manner consistent with Alabama law,” which includes possessing a valid concealed weapon permit. The policy specifically states that “students may not possess firearms at any time on campus (except as expressly authorized by the Executive Director of Campus Safety and Security). The policy does not apply to law enforcement officers while on duty.

Would You Like to Know More About Your Gun Rights in Alabama?

Questions about concealing and carrying a weapon or possessing a gun in your vehicle can be confusing in some cases. Although there are different views about which is better, it is important to know your rights in the state of Alabama. If you have had issues with carrying a gun or need more information contact us at Haygood Cleveland Pierce & Thompson or by phone at (334) 821-3892 to speak to someone about your situation and see what we can do for you.

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