Campus Carry in Ohio 

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? 

Unfortunately, while private and public collegiate institutions in the state of Ohio are permitted to allow campus carry per Senate Bill 199 in 2017, only a small handful of private schools allow students to carry a firearm on campus. For the many universities that do not allow campus carry, firearms are prohibited in all school zones unless being transported in a motor vehicle to a location outside of the school zone. Some universities have exceptions allowing the storage of a firearm on school grounds, such as permitting students to store firearms in their vehicle or at a particular location on campus. Open carry is not prohibited by the Ohio Revised Code, however individual institutions may issue disciplinary action. 

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 Ohio have email and phone contact information listed on their respective websites. Students would be inclined to convince public officials to require the facilitation of campus carry, or request that the university change their policy to accommodate students willing to carry in order to protect themselves and others. 

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

Students found with a weapon on campus grounds may be subject to punishment defined under the respective institution’s code of conduct. Individuals may also be trespassed and requested to leave the premises. Furthermore, the institution may press charges for violation of the Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.122 prohibiting the carry of firearms in school zones, resulting in a potential conviction of a felony of the fifth degree. Offenders under 19 years of age may also be issued a class 4 suspension of their driver’s license or permit. 

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? 

In Ohio, universities can work towards decriminalizing the carry of firearms on their campus by removing language from their policy that prohibits such. Action can be made to remove gun free zones from campus property and buildings, and programs can be created that allow students to store their firearms on campus property.