CHARLESTON, WV — People with concealed weapons permits can carry weapons on West Virginia’s public college and university campuses, under a state law that took effect Monday.
Higher education institutions can apply exceptions to the law that prohibits openly carrying guns on campus.
Similar legislation has been passed in 11 other states.
When the bill was introduced in the Legislature last year, presidents of West Virginia’s largest schools told lawmakers that the decision of whether to allow guns on campus should be left up to institutions. They also expressed concern about students struggling with mental health challenges.
When Republican Gov. Jim Justice signed the law into law in March 2023, he said he wanted the law to “send a message to the world, by God, if you want to mess with us, we can mess with you too.”
Schools are allowed to regulate firearms in residential halls, but not in common areas, including lounges, dining areas and study areas. The law also prohibits people from carrying guns into areas with a capacity of more than 1,000 spectators — stadiums for football games, for example — or on-campus daycare centers.
Exceptions to the law are allowed in rooms where disciplinary proceedings are ongoing against a student or employee. Also, guns may be prohibited in specially designated areas where patient care or mental health counseling is being provided.
Colleges and universities must provide a secure location to store a pistol or revolver in at least one residence hall on campus, or provide safes in residential rooms, which may incur a fee.
West Virginia University formed a campus security group to address the law. Dean of Students Corey Farris said gun lockers are available to students living in residence halls for $140 per semester. He said the university has received five requests for gun lockers on its campus, four of which are in Morgantown. The university has estimated it will cost $1 million to implement the law.
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