University Police
Campus Carry (House Bill 280)
The "Georgia campus carry" legislation (House Bill 280 [2017]) amended the Georgia law restricting weapons around school zones, functions, and transportation (O.C.G.A. §16-11-127.1), to authorize the possession of concealed handguns by weapons carry license holders in or on certain property of public institutions of postsecondary education with specific restrictions.
This was later modified by the "Georgia Constitutional Carry Act" (Senate Bill 319 [2021]), which removed the license requirement while keeping all other detailed restrictions the same. The responsibility is on those who choose to carry handguns on campus to know the law and to understand where they can and can't go while carrying.
Students, faculty, and staff should not attempt to monitor or enforce compliance with the statute with those who do carry handguns. Only law enforcement personnel will be responsible for enforcing the law. If you have concerns or questions, contact the CSU Police.
Disclaimer: It is ultimately the responsibility of the individual to know the current laws applied to the specific locations they visit and the functions in which they participate. This website is not an authoritative source of law but is offered as a general invite for citizens to learn more about such laws at their authoritative source.
* Note: As the "Constitutional Carry Act" (SB319 of 2021) has been amended more recently, any specific mention of "weapons license requirements" in this video may no longer apply, however all other restrictions remain applicable.
CSU-Specific Q&A
So, after July 1, 2017, where on the CSU campus are handguns still prohibited?
The Lumpkin Center; all residence halls; all faculty and staff offices; rooms where discipline hearings are held; classrooms where a high school student is in the class
Where on the CSU campus can I carry a concealed handgun?
On any property owned or leased by Columbus State University unless subject to a specific exception under the law, as explained in the guidelines found at www.usg.edu/weaponscarry
Does the new law allowing the carrying of a concealed handgun include spaces such
as our Space Science Center, Cunningham Center and the Oxbow Meadows Environmental
Learning Center?
Yes - the new law will apply to any property owned or leased by CSU.
Can a faculty member set their own rules about handguns in their classroom?
No. This is state law. Failure to follow state law could result in disciplinary procedures.
What if see a handgun in my classroom or on campus?
If you see a gun and feel threatened in any way, you should call University Police at 706-507-8911
If I want to carry a handgun into a classroom, how do I know if there is a high school
student also in the class?
It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure they are not breaking the law. You should call the University Registrar to check if your class contains any high school students. You can also check this by clicking on your schedule in MyCSU.
What about spaces such as the cafeteria, where children are present during summer
camps - are handguns prohibited there?
No, the new law does not provide an exception for spaces merely because children are present. Handguns are not permitted in a preschool and daycare, which are not available at CSU.
What if there is a class going on in the Rec Center that includes a high school student?
Then, during the time of that class, in the room where that class is held, a concealed weapon is prohibited.
Does this mean I will see handguns in holsters on people's hips on campus?
No. "Open carry" is still illegal on a college campus. This law applies to handguns that are not prominently, openly, and intentionally displayed.
Will there be signs up around campus saying where guns are allowed and prohibited?
No. It is the responsibility of license-holders to seek out this information.
Can faculty members make announcements in their class about whether there is a high
school student present?
No. Federal privacy laws prevent disclosing that kind of information. The Provost's office is, however, working on language that can be included course syllabi, and we are also looking for ways to make it more obvious on class rolls so faculty can easily access that information.
Will CSU provide lockers where I can lock up my gun as I move from someplace where
my gun is allowed to another space where it is prohibited?
No. Complying with the new law is the responsibility of license-holders.
Can faculty and staff bring handguns to their offices?
No. The new law explicitly excludes faculty, staff and administrative offices from places where handguns can be carried.
For more information, see the University System of Georgia website about House Bill 280.
