Campus Carry in Tennessee 

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? 

It is prohibited by Tennessee state law to carry a firearm on both public and private college or university property. 

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 legislators. Elected officials in the state of Tennessee have email and phone contact information listed on their respective websites. Students would be inclined to request public officials to pass legislation to allow campus carry in the state. 

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

Tennessee Code Ann. Section 39-17-1309 details the punishment of a Class E felony for carrying a firearm on any public or private campus, with up to 6 years in prison and $3000 in fines issued for an offense. 

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? 

Campuses must work with state legislators to change the laws that prohibit them from permitting carry on campus. Otherwise, changes in school policy will not result in a change that exempts legal punishments on students looking to exercise their Second Amendment rights.