On July 1, Senate Bill 10, the Campus Self-Defense Act, took effect in West Virginia. Passed by the West Virginia Legislature in 2023, the Campus Self-Defense Act allows a person to carry a concealed pistol or revolver on the grounds of an institution of higher education, with some exceptions, if that person has a current and valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon. 

To view the bill in its entirety, click here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I legally carry a gun on the BridgeValley Community and College campuses?
Yes, the Campus Self-Defense Act allows a person to carry a concealed pistol or revolver on the grounds of an institution of higher education, with some exceptions, if that person has a current and valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon. 

 

How does the law define pistol? How does the law define revolver?
Pistol is defined as “a short firearm having a chamber which is integral with the barrel, designed to be aimed and fired by the use of a single hand.”
Revolver is defined as “a short firearm having a cylinder of several chambers that are brought successively into line with the barrel to be discharged, designed to be aimed and fired by the use of a single hand.”
“By the use of a single hand” is the key phrase. Also, the pistol or revolver must be concealed and carried by a person who is licensed to do so.

 

After the law change on July 1, 2024, will people be able to carry guns openly on campus property?
No. Only people who are licensed to carry a concealed pistol or revolver will be permitted to have the weapons in areas where they are allowed, and the weapons must not be visible. BridgeValley will still prohibit other firearms, deadly weapons and dangerous objects. See Board Policy A-9.

 

If I have a current and valid concealed carry license from another state, will I be able to legally carry a pistol or revolver on permitted college property after July 1, 2024?
Yes, if the license was issued in a state that has reciprocity with West Virginia. The reciprocity list can be found here.

 

Is a provisional license issued under West Virginia law acceptable under the Campus Self-Defense Act?
Yes.

 

If most people can carry a gun in West Virginia without a license, why does someone need a concealed deadly weapon license?
Although West Virginia is a constitutional carry state, a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon may provide an individual with some additional rights to carry a weapon in places where it might otherwise be prohibited, including other states or in specific areas on college campuses in West Virginia.

 

Where can I get more information about obtaining a current and valid license to carry a concealed weapon?
In West Virginia, applications for concealed carry permits are processed through sheriff’s departments in counties of residence. For non-residents, applications can be filed at any county sheriff’s department.

 

Is training required to carry a concealed weapon in West Virginia?
West Virginia law requires the completion of a training course in handling and firing a handgun “with live firing of ammunition by the applicant.”

The Campus Self-Defense Act does not require any specific additional training.

 

Where can I learn more about the gun laws in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Attorney General’s Office published A Guide to Concealed Handgun Laws in West Virginia in July 2020, and it contains a significant amount of useful information for those wanting to learn more about the gun laws in West Virginia. The guide can be found here.

  

What are the exceptions to the requirements in the Campus Self-Defense Act?
In general, the state law allows for exceptions to the Campus Self-Defense Act, meaning all guns, including pistols and revolvers, will remain prohibited for even licensed carriers in certain campus locations. Read more about the exceptions listed in state code here.

To address specifics of exemptions at BridgeValley, see Board Policy A-9.

 

If I have a valid concealed carry license, where am I NOT allowed to carry my pistol or revolver on all BridgeValley locations starting July 1, 2024?
Per Board Policy A-9, concealed carry will remain prohibited after the Campus Self-Defense Act takes effect on July 1, 2024 in the following areas:

  • In an on-campus room or rooms where a previously announced student or employee disciplinary proceeding is held;
  • In a sole occupancy office, when the occupant has placed a visible sign outside the office stating weapons are prohibited (if dual occupancy or higher, this exception does not apply); 
  • In high hazardous room or laboratories (e.g., welding;
  • At a private function held in a specific location on College property that is rented, leased, or under the exclusive use of an entity that is not affiliated with the College for the actual period of time the function is occurring.
  • In any area on BridgeValley property where possession of a firearm is prohibited by Sate of federal law.
     

If there are minors on campus in a certain area, does that area automatically fall under the exceptions to the Campus Self-Defense Act, meaning no campus carry?
No. Only daycare facilities and specific functions under exclusive use of the state Department of Education, the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission, a county school board or a local public school are exempt. Prohibited areas may be identified with signs.

 

What is a “sole occupancy” office? 
A “sole occupancy” office is defined as a room with at least one door and walls that extend to the ceiling that is assigned to one person as a workspace.

  

What if my office, which falls under the “sole occupancy” definition, is located in an area where pistols or revolvers are prohibited? Can I still legally carry a concealed pistol or revolver? 
No. If the only access to a potentially allowable space is through a prohibited area, concealed carry is prohibited in the entire area.

 

I am attending a private function at an BridgeValley campus location that is being rented, leased or designated for the exclusive use of that private entity. How will I know if concealed pistols or revolvers are permitted?
It is up to the private entity to provide information about the concealed carry allowances.

 

If I have a valid concealed carry license, can I carry my pistol or revolver in my backpack?
Yes, if the backpack is always in your sole, close possession. Please note that “concealed” is defined as “hidden from ordinary observation so as to prevent disclosure or recognition.”

 

I am an employee with a valid concealed carry license. Am I allowed to carry my firearm while driving a state vehicle or a rental vehicle while on college business?
If you are on campus, then it does not matter whether you are in a vehicle – the general rule will apply. However, if you are off campus, then employees will be subject to the applicable laws, and it is your responsibility to know them. Although employees may be able to carry on campus, there is nothing in the Campus Self-Defense Act or the Business Liability Protection Act that allows employees to store pistols or revolvers in state vehicles.

 

Who is responsible for knowing and following the provisions in the Campus Self-Defense Act? 
The individual carrying the pistol or revolver is expected to know and follow applicable laws.

 

What should I do if I see a person carrying a pistol, revolver or any other type of deadly weapon or dangerous object openly?
The law requires pistols and revolvers to remain concealed (limited exceptions include law enforcement officers). If a person’s pistol or revolver is not concealed — meaning it is fully showing, outlined or becomes visible as they move — contact one of the designated staff members listed below and provide as much information as possible. They will follow up with the situation immediately.

CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY - THEN

South Charleston Campus Office

Chief of Police

Basra Fakhir, MS, Eds

Room 009

(304) 205-6630

[email protected]

Montgomery Campus Office

Chief of Police

Basra Fakhir, MS, Eds

Room 212

(304) 734-6616

[email protected]

 

If you see a rifle or larger firearm on campus or if anyone is ever acting in a threatening or suspicious manner with any firearm, including a pistol or revolver that is supposed to be concealed, call 9-1-1 immediately.

 

How will I know where concealed carry is allowed and where it is not on campus after July 1, 2024? 
In certain instances, outside exemptions stated above, signs will be used to designate excluded areas. Ultimately, though, it is up to the concealed carry license holder to know the specifics of  Board Policy 6.16 - Deadly Weapons and Dangerous Objects.pdf. and to follow the regulations while on Eastern locations.

 

What if I am carrying a concealed revolver or pistol and I have to go into an area where concealed revolvers and pistols are prohibited? 
Members of the BridgeValley community should make plans to store or leave at home anything that would be prohibited in a specific area where they must go to do their job or attend class.  Employees or students may, consistent with their schedule, decide to secure any pistols or revolvers they may be carrying in their vehicles as long as vehicles are locked and guns are out of view, as required by the West Virginia Business Liability Protection Act.

 

What happens if a BridgeValley employee or student violates this policy?  
Any employee or student who does not follow the requirements of Board Policy 6.16 - Deadly Weapons and Dangerous Objects.pdf. could face disciplinary action, including a warning, suspension, termination or other appropriate step. Conduct that may not violate this specific policy could still be prohibited under a different policy or regulation which may lead to additional action.

 

What happens if a person who is not a BridgeValley employee or student violates the policy? 
That person may be asked to leave campus or temporarily turn over the prohibited item. Refusal could potentially lead to a misdemeanor charge or a trespassing violation.

 

What kind of training does BridgeValley offer on gun safety? 
BridgeValley offers active shooter trainings to its employees through an online training platform as well as in person training.

 

As a student, am I safe on campus? As a faculty or staff member at BridgeValley, am I safe on campus? As a parent, is my student safe on campus? 
We want everyone who enters the doors to any BridgeValley campus to feel safe. We are committed to following the law while at the same time protecting our students, staff and community. Members of the Safety Committee, along with the President, will monitor implemented safety measures and improve these processes as needed.

See the latest Crime Statistics/Clery Act report here.

 

Where can I get answers to additional questions?

For specific questions not addressed here, please send an phone or email to:

South Charleston Campus Office

Chief of Police

Basra Fakhir, MS, Eds

Room 009

(304) 205-6630

[email protected]

Montgomery Campus Office

Chief of Police

Basra Fakhir, MS, Eds

Room 212

(304) 734-6616

[email protected]