Laws Concerning Carrying Concealed Firearms on Campus in Tennessee

On July 1, 2016, a new law took effect in Tennessee that permits full-time employees (including faculty) of state public colleges or universities who possess handgun carry permits to carry a handgun while on property owned, operated, or controlled by the employing college or university if certain requirements are met, which include reqistering with campus law enforcement if the permit holder wishes to carry on campus.

AREAS OF EXCLUSION

The following areas on campus are off limits to all weapons, including by those who possess a carry permit:

(a) Stadiums, gymnasiums, and auditoriums when school- sponsored events are in progress;

(b) In meetings regarding disciplinary matters;

(c) In meetings regarding tenure issues;

(d) A hospital, or an office where medical or mental health services are the primary services provided; and

(e) Any location where a provision of state or federal law, except the posting provisions of§ 39-17-1359, prohibits the carrying of a handgun on that property;

This law does not allow students with carry permits to carry on campus.

See:   Public Chapter 1061

NOTE

It is not an offense for a nonstudent adult to possess a firearm, if the firearm is contained within a private vehicle operated by the adult and is not handled by the adult, or by any other person acting with the expressed or implied consent of the adult, while the vehicle is on school property.   See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1309(c)(1)

Tennessee Colleges Where Concealed Guns on Campus are Permitted by Law

 

College Town Type (4 year, 2 year, Private)
University of Tennessee – Knoxville Knoxville 4 year
University of Tennessee – Chattanooga Chattanooga 4 year
University of Tennessee – Martin Martin 4 year
University of Memphis Memphis 4 year
East Tennessee State University 4 year
Middle Tennessee State University 4 year
Austin Peay University 4 year
Tennessee Tech University 4 year
Tennessee State University 4 year
Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga 2 year
Cleveland State Community College Cleveland 2 year
Columbia State Community College Columbia 2 year
Dyersburg State Community College Dyersburg 2 year
Jackson State Community College Jackson 2 year
Motlow State Community College Lynchburg 2 year
Nashville State Community College Nashville 2 year
Northeast State Community College Blountville 2 year
Pellissippi State Community College Knoxville 2 year
Roane State Community College Harriman 2 year
Southwest Tennessee Community College Memphis 2 year
Volunteer State Community College Gallatin 2 year
Walters State Community College Morristown 2 year

 Updated: September 12, 2019

Disclaimer: Policies are subject to change at any time, both during and between school years. In addition, individual school policies commonly include more details than can be succinctly captured by ArmedCampuses.org. Each school should be consulted for its most accurate, up-to-date policy.