PA CCW on College Campuses

[archigos]

If my research is correct, CCW is legal on college campuses in Pennsylvania, but I just wanted to post here to see if anybody knows otherwise. I know that colleges can punish students and staff based on their own regulations, but I'm visiting a college (and have an out of state PA CCW permit) and want to know if I'm able to carry while doing so.

 

[Sam1911]

You are correct.

-Sam

 

[Yellowfin]

Definitely, and PA needs to get campus carry passed into law as soon as possible. It's the perfect place to do so as it has a lot of LCTF (what PA calls its CCW) holders and plenty of big universities.

 

[Guitargod1985]

Make sure before you carry that the rule applies to non-resident permits. I seem to recall that by some ridiculous justification of the Interstate Commerce Clause, the feds don't allow non-res CCW in/around schools even if the state allows residents with permits to do so.

 

[Top_Gunn]

The federal law on "gun free school zones" does indeed prohibit carrying a gun in or near a school with various exceptions, one of which is for people who have a permit that is, among other things, issued by the state in which the school is located. This is crazy; I can carry a pistol near a school in my state, but not near a school in another state which recognizes my permit. And I can't carry a rifle near a school in my state (except in a locked case), because my state, like others, doesn't issue permits to carry rifles. Sigh.

The good news is, under this law, "school" is a place that provides elementary or secondary education. So a college campus should be OK under federal law.

 

[Legionnaire]

I know that colleges can punish students and staff based on their own regulations ...

I am not a lawyer. It is my understanding that you would be "legal" in PA. But if CCW is prohibited by university policy, I assume that--if they determined you were carrying--they would have the right to ask you to leave the campus. I would further assume you could be charged with trespass if you refused to leave. Any lawyers have an answer?

 

[Sam1911]

But if CCW is prohibited by university policy, I assume that--if they determined you were carrying--they would have the right to ask you to leave the campus. I would further assume you could be charged with trespass if you refused to leave.

Sure, just like any other private entity.

Some interesting debates may take place regarding whether "state" schools are private, etc., but if you are asked to leave pretty much anywhere because you're carrying, you should comply.

-Sam

 

[archigos]

I am not a lawyer. It is my understanding that you would be "legal" in PA. But if CCW is prohibited by university policy, I assume that--if they determined you were carrying--they would have the right to ask you to leave the campus. I would further assume you could be charged with trespass if you refused to leave. Any lawyers have an answer?

Most states have trespass laws similar to this, so you're probably correct. Its a moot point though, anyways, as anywhere that I'm told I'm not permitted to defend myself, I don't want to support. I'd really only be going on campuses for football games, and I'd just ask for a refund of my admission.

Correct.That is the main reason I have a PA LCTF even though my Florida CCW covers all of those states.
I visit relatives in PA every year.This is a little extra insurance on the insane GFSZ bit with Congress.
It's only $26.00 for 5 years and Sheriff Denny Nau's great staff in Centre County has a very fast turn around time.Took 7 days mailbox to mailbox 1 month ago.

Yeah - I got my PA permit in Erie County and they were absolutely great to deal with. Actually, since NY refuses to have any reciprocity agreements, my PA permit is what allows me to carry in most states. I'll probably apply for an FL permit soon though because it covers a few more states.

 

[Legionnaire]

I carried this question over the the Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association. Some good discussion there.

I'd really only be going on campuses for football games ...

This, however, raises a different question. Might there be a prohibition of carry at mass gatherings (like sporting events)? I know I've read something about that somewhere ... maybe on handgunlaw.us. Can't say anything about PA, though. (I'm still not a lawyer).

 

[Sam1911]

This, however, raises a different question. Might there be a prohibition of carry at mass gatherings (like sporting events)? I know I've read something about that somewhere ... maybe on handgunlaw.us. Can't say anything about PA, though. (I'm still not a lawyer)

There are such limitations in some other states, but not PA.

The biggest problem you might run into at football games is security checkpoints of various levels of invasiveness. I've been patted down going into a Penn State game (many years ago -- probably 1994-95). If they find your sidearm, you will be asked to leave. Legally, that's all they can do, but you do have to comply.

-Sam