Campus Self-Defense Act FAQ

What is the difference between campus carry and open carry?

The difference between campus carry and open carry lies in their regulations regarding the carrying of handguns:

1. Campus Carry:

• Definition: Campus Carry, also known as Campus Self-Defense Act or Senate Bill 10, permits individuals with a valid concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry concealed weapons in specific areas on college campuses, including WVU Parkersburg.
• Scope: It applies only to those with a valid license and allows concealed carry in designated areas.
• Exemptions: Colleges can create guidelines and exempt certain parts of campus from the law, but they cannot violate the spirit of the law.

 

2. Open Carry:

• Definition:  Open Carry refers to the open display of handguns.
• Campus Prohibition: The open carry of weapons on college campuses is not permitted.

In summary, campus carry allows concealed carry with a valid license, while open carry pertains to openly displaying handguns and is prohibited on college campuses in West Virginia.

Can colleges, departments or individual classrooms declare they are gun-free zones? 

There are eight exceptions to the campus carry law at WVU Parkersburg and those are the only times a gun-free zone can be established.

1. K-12 School-Sponsored Functions: During K-12 school-sponsored events occurring on campus, concealed carry is banned in specific areas.
2. Patient-Care and Mental Health Spaces: Firearms are prohibited in patient-care areas and mental health/patient care counseling spaces.
3. Formal Disciplinary/Grievance Hearings: Concealed carry is not allowed during formal disciplinary or grievance hearings in the area of the hearings.
4. Individual Office Spaces: Concealed carry is banned from individual office spaces with properly placed signage.
5. Campus Police Officers: Concealed carry is banned in Campus Police Areas.
6. Private Functions: Firearms may be prohibited in areas being used by private organizations during rentals of college facilities with properly placed signage.
7. Hazardous Areas: Firearms are prohibited in areas of the college where hazardous chemicals or gases are stored.
8. Secondary Education Properties: Firearms are prohibited on areas of the college which are operated as a Secondary Education Facility (Caperton Center).