Campus Carry in Virginia 

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? 

According to Title 8 of the Virginia Administrative Code, all public colleges and universities prohibit the carry of firearms on campus. Private campuses may permit or prohibit the carry of firearms. 

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

Students could advocate for their right to carry a firearm by appealing to private school officials. Most higher education institutions allow students to write to officials in request for changes on campus. Students would be inclined to request that the private university change their policies to issue permissions to students willing to carry to protect themselves and others. Students may also petition to the Virginia state government in request that legislation be passed to remove restrictions placed on public universities that prevent students from carrying a firearm. 

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

Students at public universities in violation of VAC Title 8 will be asked to remove the weapon from the property, and failure to comply could result in disciplinary action or arrest. Students at private colleges may face disciplinary action depending on their individual policies in regard to campus carry. They may also be trespassed and removed from campus property.  

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? 

Private campuses may change their policy to permit students to carry firearms. Public campuses could request that the state government change policy surrounding campus carry in order to allow students to exercise their Second Amendment rights.