Campus Carry in Michigan 

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. A “weapon free school zone” prohibits the carry of a firearm in any public or private university dormitories or classrooms. 

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 school officials or legislators. Most higher education institutions allow students to write to officials in request of changes on campus, and elected officials in the state of Michigan have email and phone contact information listed on their respective websites. Students would be inclined to convince public officials to expand the liberties of campus carry to include dormitories or classrooms, as well as request that the university change their policy and issue permissions to students willing to carry to protect themselves and others if existing policies are further prohibitive than what is limited by law. 

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

Students may face a fine of up to $500 and a concealed carry license suspension of 6 months for a first violation of Section 28.425o of the Michigan Legislature. A second violation would result in a misdemeanor charge, a fine of up to $1000, and the permanent suspension of a concealed carry license in the state. A third violation would result in a felony charge, a fine of up to $5000, and imprisonment for up to 4 years. 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? 

The University can work towards removing code of conduct violations that prohibit campus carry in areas that are otherwise not prohibited under law.