FILE - Woodburn Hall on the West Virginia University campus, is shown April, 24, 2015, in Morgantown, W.Va. Under a state law that debuted Monday, July 1, 2024, people with concealed carry permits can possess firearms on West Virginia public college and university campuses with some exceptions. Institutions of higher learning can implement exceptions to the law, which bans the open carry of a firearm on campus.
Schools are permitted to regulate firearms in residence halls, but not in common areas, including lounges, dining areas and study areas. The law also prohibits people from taking guns into areas with a capacity of more than 1,000 spectators — stadiums for football games, for example — or to on-campus daycare centers.
Exceptions to the law are allowed in rooms where a student or employee disciplinary proceeding is being held. Also, guns can be restricted in specifically designated areas where patient care or mental health counseling is being provided.