Campus Carry in Wisconsin 

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. It is illegal to carry a firearm on private and public campuses in Wisconsin unless the chief administrative officer of the institution issues a written permission to do so. 

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 Wisconsin 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 and issue permissions to 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 may face a fine of up to $500 for a violation of UWS 18.10, and campus officials may issue disciplinary action against the student if the code of conduct prohibits carrying on campus. 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, as well as removing posted gun free zones that prohibit students from carrying in specific locations on campus.