Campus Carry in Pennsylvania 

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, Pennsylvania Statutes Title 18 regulations on the carry of a firearm only apply to elementary and secondary education institutions meaning any public or private university can permit the carry of firearms on campus. 

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

Students can seek a policy change from their individual university to allow for the carry of firearms, or reach out to state legislators in hopes of the law being changed to enforce and require the right to carry in the state. 

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

Students could potentially face being trespassed, or be given other penalties based on their school’s policy. 

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? 

State law does not permit any college in Pennsylvania from allowing students to carry on campus; they should simply change their policy to allow for campus carry.