Gun-free zones disarm victims, as we have been reminded this week with the mass shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island, where two students were murdered, and nine were wounded during a December 13 attack at an exam session by a man with a handgun.
Unsurprisingly, Brown University prohibits all firearms on campus by policy, “regardless of whether they possess a valid permit to carry a Firearm or other Weapon.”
Brown makes an exception for “disabling chemical sprays when used for self-defense,” or, in layman’s terms, pepper spray. Brown’s prohibition on firearms does not apply to University Law Enforcement, active or retired federal, state, or local law enforcement officers.
Brown also makes an exemption for “credentialed armed private dignitary security personnel allowed on campus at the discretion of the Vice President for Public Safety and Emergency Management.” This policy places the well-being of visiting dignitaries above tuition-paying students who live semi-permanently on campus.
We decided to review a sampling of some of the most conservative religious and secular universities in the nation and look into their policies on firearms in the context of self-defense.
Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama) ~ 35,000 students
“In order to maintain a safe academic environment, Auburn University prohibits the possession or use of dangerous or potentially dangerous weapon(s) on all university properties, with limited exceptions,” states the Auburn Student Policy Page, adding “Temporary exclusions may be granted in writing by the Executive Director of Campus Safety and Security for job related, educational, or demonstration purposes.”
Its Dangerous Weapons and Firearms Policy states that it prohibits the possession and use of any dangerous or potentially dangerous weapon(s), to include “Firearms – Shotgun, rifle, pistol, revolver or other shoulder gun including ammunition.” It also prohibits stun guns and tasers. The policy applies to all visitors and guests. The university offers “temporary storage for firearms lawfully possessed by students.”
Teachers, faculty members, and other employees are not allowed to be armed on campus, but may keep a firearm in their vehicle: “An employee may not possess firearms on campus or while otherwise engaged in duties associated with their employment, except for a firearm properly maintained in a personal vehicle in a manner consistent with Alabama law.”
Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah – Main Campus) ~ 33,000 students
Brigham Young has a strict policy prohibiting all firearms and weapons (concealed or not concealed), with or without a concealed-weapon permit, on property owned or controlled by the university, unless one has “specific written permission from the managing director of BYU Police and BYU Security.”
Exemptions are made for law enforcement officers, security officers, and ROTC members authorized by this policy to carry a firearm or other weapon on campus.
Its Idaho campus also prohibits firearms, noting that it reserves that right under the laws of the state, adding, “…these items pose a clear risk to the persons and property…”
Colorado Christian University (Lakewood, Colorado) ~ 1,600 students
The 2025-2026 Student Handbook (with the motto “Created in the Image of God”) lists “Possessing or using firearms” under the Prohibited Conduct section of its policy. The Safety and Security website notes that the campus security team “consists of 11 full-time and two part-time security officers who patrol the campus.” Neither the Standards of Conduct page nor the CCU Lifestyle Covenant document mentions firearms. We reached out to the college requesting clarification on lawful concealed carry, but have not received a response at the time of this publication.
Grove City College (Grove City, Pennsylvania) ~ 2,400 students
The Crimson Student Handbook states that use or possession of a firearm is an “Example[s] of behavior which constitute a violation of this Community Standard.” The Guide to Security Policies Safety Procedures does not reference firearms in any regard. We reached out to the Grove City College communications department requesting clarification on lawful concealed carry, but have not received a response at the time of this publishing.
Hillsdale College (Hillsdale, Michigan) ~ 1,650 students
Hillsdale’s Regulations for Proper Student Conduct cites “Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of firearms, knives, explosives, fireworks, dangerous chemicals and/or other weapons,” but does not explicitly state that the carry of a lawful firearm is illegal or prohibited. Its Residence Policies document does state that “Firearms, knives… and weapons… are not allowed in students’ rooms.” We reached out to the Hillsdale PR department requesting clarification on lawful concealed carry, but have not received a response at the time of this publishing.
Liberty University (Lynchburg, Virginia) ~ 16,000 students
Liberty’s policy is quite, well, liberal. Students, faculty/staff, and visitors are permitted to conceal carry while on campus, must have a valid state permit available at all times, and be able to present it upon request. Open carry is prohibited.
Students and faculty/staff (anyone with a Liberty ID) must also obtain a Liberty Concealed Weapons Permit from the Liberty University Police Department, which requires an online application and taking a Firearms Safety Course with the Liberty Mountain Gun Club.
The university will even assist students who are eligible with safe installation within their dorm room. The university policy does not list any prohibited locations.
Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas) ~ 80,000 students
Campus Carry dates back to 2016 and is so well-engrained in the university’s history it has its own page. It simply states, “A license holder may carry a concealed handgun on the campus of Texas A&M University or in a university vehicle, unless prohibited by state or federal law, or this rule.” Open carry is not allowed.
Although Texas House Bill No. 1927 (“Firearms Carry Act of 2021”), went into effect for the State of Texas broadly allowing open carry, the university chose to continue prohibiting open carry.
Residents who have a handgun on campus must store it in a locking steel safe, according to their site. Interestingly, while the university allows concealed handguns, it bans the following from residence halls and public areas: airsoft guns, paintball guns, and Nerf guns.
University of Wyoming (Laramie, Wyoming) ~ 11,000 students
We added this to the list because the College of Law just received a federal grant for nearly $1,000,000 for Second Amendment education. The University changed its policy shortly after the Wyoming Legislature approved House Bill 172 (known as the “Repeal Gun Free Zones” act), allowing people with concealed firearm permits to carry on much of the campus.
Although Wyoming is a permitless or “constitutional carry” state, under current policy, the state statute requires that “in most instances you must have a permit to concealed carry a handgun in University facilities.” Some areas, such as where alcohol is served, are off limits. Open carry is prohibited by the University, as allowed under the statute. Handguns must be “stored in a concealed biometric container or a lock box when not secured on the person.”
