Gun laws on college campuses vary by state, sparking debate

By Hannah Traczynski

A recent security event at RCU highlights the importance of knowing about college campus gun laws, which vary widely in the United States, leading to ongoing debates about safety, Second Amendment rights, and the role of firearms in educational settings.

While some states allow concealed carry on campuses, others enforce strict bans, leaving many students and faculty members navigating a complex legal landscape.

At RCU in January, a student was found in possession of two handguns in his dormitory after another student reported an earlier incident in which he was shown a firearm in a campus parking lot.

University officials, in collaboration with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, acted swiftly, removing the student from campus and taking legal measures to prevent his return, according to an email sent out by Scott Samuels, dean of students. This incident underscores the significance of enforcing firearm prohibitions at universities and ensuring the safety of students and staff.

States that allow guns on campus

Several states permit individuals with concealed carry permits to bring firearms onto college campuses. Supporters argue that this enhances personal safety and serves as a deterrent to violent crime.

Campussafetymagazine.com reports that states with campus carry laws include:

• Texas — Since 2016, licensed gun owners have been allowed to carry concealed handguns on public college campuses, with restrictions in certain areas such as dormitories and sporting events.

• Utah — One of the first states to permit campus carry, Utah allows individuals with concealed carry permits to bring firearms to public colleges without university-imposed restrictions.

• Colorado — Concealed carry is permitted on public campuses, but individual universities retain the authority to implement their own policies.

States that ban guns on campus

Other states have enacted complete bans on firearms on college campuses, citing concerns over potential violence, accidental shootings, and increased anxiety among students and staff.

States with strict bans include:

• California — Firearms are generally prohibited on college campuses, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and specially approved individuals.

• New York — Both public and private colleges ban firearms unless specific exemptions apply.

• Illinois — Even individuals with concealed carry permits are prohibited from carrying guns on college campuses.

• Some states, such as Ohio, Virginia and Arkansas, have mixed or restricted policies, which include leaving the decision to individual universities or having additional training before carrying on campus.

Michigan’s gun laws on campuses

According to armedcampuses.org, Michigan.gov, and college handbooks, Michigan enforces strict regulations regarding firearms on college campuses. State law prohibits concealed carry in classrooms and dormitories, even for those with a concealed pistol license. However, open carry remains legal in some areas of public universities, though most institutions, including the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, prohibit firearms altogether.

Michigan Tech in Houghton has prohibited areas, such as university buildings and residence halls, but allows carrying in designated areas, such as the rifle and archery ranges and ROTC storage facilities.

At RCU, the student handbook states:

• Weapons & Hazardous Materials: For the safety of the campus community, students may not use or store any weapons or dangerous materials on themselves, in their rooms, or in vehicles parked on campus.

• Prohibited Items: Firearms, spears, pellet or paintball guns, ammunition, knives with blades longer than 2.5 inches, slingshots, bows and arrows, martial arts weapons, swords, toys that could be mistaken for real guns, explosives, fireworks, flammable or hazardous materials are strictly prohibited.

• Violations: Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action.

The debate over campus carry

Gun laws on college campuses remain a contentious issue. Advocates and opponents continue to argue over the implications of allowing firearms in educational environments.

As the debate over firearms on campuses continues, universities and lawmakers must balance safety concerns with constitutional rights. With laws and policies varying widely across the country, students should stay informed about their state’s regulations and their university’s specific policies regarding firearms on campus.

Other banned items at RCU

RCU also prohibits other items that might raise eyebrows, including

• hoverboards

• air fryers

• waterbeds (seriously, who is bringing a waterbed to college?)

• and live trees.

You’ll also need to leave your:

• toaster

• George Foreman grill

• CO2 canisters including scuba equipment (no diving in Lake Norcentra, I guess), and

• halogen lamp at home.

If it heats up, burns or rolls away on its own, chances are RCU doesn’t want it in your dorm room.