Wisconsin Democrats Propose Concealed Carry Ban on College Campuses

Democratic lawmakers in Wisconsin have proposed legislation to ban the concealed carry of firearms on college campuses, aligning gun laws for higher education institutions with those already in place for K-12 schools. The bill, introduced by Sen. Kelda Roys and Rep. Brienne Brown, aims to prohibit possession of firearms on both public and private university campuses, even for those with concealed carry permits, making violations a Class A misdemeanor. Currently, Wisconsin allows concealed carry on college campuses, making it one of 11 states with such policies, though the University of Wisconsin system prohibits carrying dangerous weapons on its property. Supporters argue that this measure addresses the ongoing threat of gun violence in schools and aligns with similar bans enacted in states like Florida, Alabama, and Ohio. The proposal was announced shortly after a mass shooting in Minneapolis, emphasizing the urgency of gun safety reforms to protect students and faculty. Advocates stress that banning concealed carry on campuses is a common-sense approach supported by many students, faculty, and university officials.