Fast Facts

The law K.S.A. 75-7c20 allows concealed carry of handguns – weapons designed to be fired using a single hand – on college campuses, except where adequate security measures are provided.

Concealed carry without a permit is limited to individuals 21 years of age or older. Individuals ages 18-20 can carry a concealed handgun, but must have proper training and acquire a provisional concealed-carry license.

Legislation passed in 2021 offers reciprocity of valid licenses issued by jurisdictions recognized by Kansas, such as other state governments.

The law does not permit open carry of handguns into state buildings marked with approved Kansas Attorney General signage.

The state does not permit open or concealed carry of other firearms - such as rifles, shotguns, or fully automatic weapons - into state buildings marked with approved Kansas Attorney General signage.

The law does not allow individual instructors or employees to prohibit concealed carry of handguns in classrooms, labs, or offices to which they are assigned unless adequate security measures are provided at all public entrances to the space.

Discharge of a firearm in Lawrence city limits, except in self-defense, is a violation of city ordinance.

It is not lawful to carry a firearm when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

By federal regulation, individuals with a nonimmigrant visa may not possess or receive firearms or ammunition.

As a public institution, the University of Kansas must follow the Kansas concealed carry law.  Changes to the law can only come through the state legislative process.

The university is not responsible for any lawfully possessed handgun carried on campus and Kansas Board of Regents policy places responsibility for control and safe storage on the individual in lawful possession.

An individual who carries a concealed handgun on campus must take reasonable measures to conceal the handgun on their body or in a bag, purse or backpack kept with them at all times.

KU policy requires that concealed handguns be in a holster that completely covers the trigger area, and secures the hammer in an un-cocked position with a strap. Semiautomatic handguns must be carried without a chambered round of ammunition.

Kansas Board of Regents policy continues to prohibit long guns, such as rifles and shotguns, everywhere on campus, whether concealed or openly carried.

Kansas Board of Regents policy prohibits brandishing any handgun.

Kansas Board of Regents policy requires that individuals who carry a concealed handgun on campus shall at all times have the safety mechanism engaged if it has one.

Individuals who carry a concealed handgun cannot be required to declare they are carrying a firearm, except to a law enforcement official.

Regents policy allows faculty to require that backpacks, purses and bags be left unattended and away from students “when class rules require.” This guidance is offered under the specific context of taking a test. The policy also advises “prior actual or constructive notice of such rules must be given.” Students who carry a handgun in a purse or backpack would either have to transfer the handgun to a concealed holster on their body or transfer the firearm to a secure location such as a gun safe in their residence or the trunk of their locked vehicle.

Faculty are not at liberty to permanently change the location of their scheduled courses. Follow procedures outlined in University Senate Rules and Regulations with regard to Schedule of Classes as well as the schedule for final comprehensive examinations. The Faculty Code of Rights and Responsibilities outlines circumstances and procedures for intermittent alternate class location.

The university cannot prohibit employees from lawfully carrying a concealed handgun in the workplace unless the space has adequate security measures and is properly posted.

Students self-select their rooms and can specify roommates in the KU Student Housing system when they contract for accommodations. During the semester, housing staff will work with residents who request a transfer to a different space assignment. Students must initiate the request to be reassigned.

When not on the person, a concealed handgun must be stored in a secure storage device, such as a gun safe.

Any individual who violates one or more provisions of the KU weapons policy may be issued a lawful directive to leave campus with the weapon immediately.

Any employee or student of the university who violates one or more provisions of the weapons policy shall be subject to discipline in accordance with applicable university codes of conduct.

Any individual who violates state or federal law may be detained, arrested or otherwise subjected to lawful processes appropriate to the circumstances.