Concealed Carry

Safety First

Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our University of Kansas community. It requires that we work together and do all we can to ensure every KU community member, visitor and guest understands the state's Personal and Family Protection Act and the KU weapons policy, as well as how the policy is implemented on our various campuses.

The university exemption from the Personal and Family Protection Act expired on July 1, 2017. The transition allows concealed carrying of handguns into most state and municipal buildings - a change welcomed by some and disliked by others. In 2021, the Kansas Legislature expanded concealed carry laws to allow residents ages 18-20 to obtain a provisional concealed carry license for purposes of legally carrying a concealed handgun.

Safety is a chief motivation for people who choose to lawfully carry a concealed weapon. Likewise, safety is a top concern of individuals who prefer guns not be allowed on college campuses. KU leadership is committed to safety, a shared goal of students, employees, university affiliates, and visitors, and to respecting the right of individuals to carry a handgun as permitted by Kansas state law.

KU Public Safety Office provides guidance and information on de-escalation techniques as well as recommendations on how to address civil disturbance, including threatening individuals. To request a presentation on a topic please please contact Public Safety at 785-864-5900 or kupso@ku.edu and ask for Community Education.

Forums, meetings and messages in advance of the 2017 transition revealed significant concern and some confusion surrounding concealed carry at KU. Since 2017, KU has had no reported incidents involving concealed carry on campus.

This website provides content that can help dispel confusion as well as point individuals to helpful resources.

Updates

Legislation passed in spring 2021 allows individuals age 18-20 to carry a concealed handgun if they have taken required training and acquired a provisional concealed carry license. The law also offers reciprocity of valid concealed carry licenses from other states.

Learn more about KU policy, state law and what is expected of students, staff, faculty and visitors who choose to carry a concealed weapon.

Information

Below are a series of information pages tailored to specific audiences that provide a quick overview of the university's policy and its implementation on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses.