Because of changes in Pennsylvania’s concealed weapons law in 2012, one of the two major public Higher Education Systems became concerned that they might not be able to constitutionally prohibit concealed weapons permittees from carrying guns on campus.
There are two major public Higher Education Systems in Pennsylvania:
1) The Commonwealth System of Higher Education (CSHE), which oversees Penn State, Pittsburgh, Lincoln Univ, and Temple
2) The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PSSHE) oversees the other 14 state colleges.
In 2012, PASSHE’s Chairman, Guido Pichini, stated the following:
“PASSHE universities have the ability to prohibit weapons, including legally registered firearms, in academic buildings, student residence halls, dining facilities, student union buildings, athletic facilities and recreation centers or while attending a sporting, entertainment or educational event on university property or sponsored by the university. However, PASSHE’s policies also must be consistent with Pennsylvania law, which allows individuals who are properly permitted to carry a firearm ‘on or about one’s person or in a vehicle throughout the Commonwealth.’
As a result, we have confirmed that at least six PASSHE’s schools have now changed their policies to allow concealed carry permittees the ability to carry weapons on certain parts of their campuses. (See chart below).
NOTE:
PASSHE guidelines do not impact private colleges or the other public colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Schools that Allow Concealed Guns on Campus
| College | Town | Type |
| California University (concealed weapons are prohibited in all buildings and sporting events, the exception allows permit holders to carry in open spaces) See policy | California | 4 year – Public |
| Edinboro (concealed weapons are prohibited in all buildings and sporting events, the exception allows permit holders to carry in open spaces) See policy | Edinboro | 4 year – Public |
| Kutztown University (concealed licensee must show compelling reason and request permission to carry on campus) See policy | Kutztown | 4 year -Public |
| Lock Haven University (concealed weapons are prohibited in all buildings and sporting events, the exception allows permit holders to carry in open spaces) See policy | Lock Haven | 4 year – Public |
| Millersville University (concealed weapons are prohibited in all buildings and sporting events, the exception allows permit holders to carry in open spaces) See policy | Millersville | 4 year – Public |
| Slippery Rock University (concealed licensee must obtain permission from Police Chief to carry on campus) See policy | Slippery Rock | 4 year – Public |
Updated: June 24, 2022
