Professors at NC private college now permitted to carry guns, like in most other states

Private universities in North Carolina have joined a growing number of institutions nationwide where instructors are allowed to carry concealed weapons. House Bill 193 authorizes private colleges and universities in the state to permit employees to carry a concealed firearm on campus or at affiliated religious sites, provided they complete an eight-hour firearms training course and hold a valid concealed-carry license.

The legislation restricts the carrying of guns or stun devices to the approving colleges property and does not extend to other universities grounds. Initially vetoed by Democratic Governor Josh Stein, the bill was later overridden by the Republican-led Legislature and became effective on Monday.

Supporters cited concerns about increasing incidents at private religious schools. State Representative Jeff McNeely described the bill as a measure to protect children, while Representative Keith Kidwell emphasized the practicality of armed defense, noting that legally owned guns are frequently used to protect people in the U.S.

Governor Stein and gun control advocates warned that allowing faculty to carry firearms could endanger students. Organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety have argued there is no evidence that arming teachers deters violence or reduces casualties. A 2023 RAND survey of nearly 1,000 teachers found 54% believed armed teachers would make schools less safe, 20% felt it would improve safety, and just over 25% thought it would have no effect.

Studies have highlighted the critical time gap between an attack and police response, with the FBI reporting a median response time of three minutes for active shooter incidents. Experts, including Purdue Professor Eric Dietz, have suggested that armed personnel on campus could slow attacks and potentially reduce casualties.

Currently, public school teachers in North Carolina are not permitted to carry concealed weapons, placing the state among the minority. Nationwide, at least 30 states have laws allowing school staff to carry firearms, with variations in restrictions and training requirements. Some states explicitly permit concealed carry, others leave decisions to school administrators, while a few restrict firearms to locked vehicles.

The situation at private colleges largely parallels policies for K-12 schools, reflecting a broader national trend in permitting armed educators under regulated conditions.

Author: Connor Blake