Campus Carry in Illinois 

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. FURTHER, READERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING ALL THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT FOR THEMSELVES AND SHOULD SPEAK WITH A COMPETENT ATTORNEY IN THEIR STATE. 

Are there differences between private and public colleges and universities? 

No; unfortunately, campus carry within school zones, buildings, events, is illegal in the entirety of the state of Illinois, with only the exception of out-of-view locked storage within a vehicle permitted for carry license holders. Furthermore, it is illegal to carry a firearm within 1000 feet of a school zone. 

What can students do to appeal for their Second Amendment rights if they are on an unfriendly campus? 

Students have the opportunity to advocate for their right to carry a firearm by appealing to legislators. Elected officials in the state of Illinois have email and phone contact information listed on their respective websites. Students would be inclined to request public officials to permit campus carry in the state. 

What would the penalty be if a student is found with a weapon on campus grounds? 

A student choosing to carry a firearm on an Illinois campus could face charges for violating Illinois Statutes Chapter 720. Criminal Offenses § 5/24-1, resulting in a Class 4 felony with up to 3 years of imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000. Individuals may also be trespassed and requested to leave the premises. 

For campuses who would allow campus carry but are prevented from doing so by their state law, what are some things the university can do to aid students? 

Campuses must work with legislators to change the laws that prohibit them from permitting carry on campus. Otherwise, changes in school policy will not result in a change that exempts legal punishments on students looking to exercise their Second Amendment rights.