Guns, knives, and weapons are generally prohibited on school grounds, as provided by school policies and state and federal laws.

Although children in grades 1-12 are generally not eligible for a concealed carry weapon permit, older students on college campuses may be eligible for a concealed carry permit (CCP) in some states—also known as a concealed handgun license (CHL), license to carry (LTC), concealed carry license (CCL), or concealed carry weapon (CCW).

A student’s right to carry a concealed weapon on school grounds may be governed by state and federal laws, as well as school policies.

In Kentucky, the possession of guns, knives, and other weapons on school grounds is strictly regulated by both state statutes and federal law. Under Kentucky law, KRS 527.070 prohibits the possession of firearms on school property, which includes primary and secondary schools. This prohibition extends to students and visitors alike, with certain exceptions for law enforcement officers and other authorized individuals. Additionally, the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act (18 U.S.C. § 922(q)) generally forbids the unauthorized carrying of firearms within a school zone. As for post-secondary institutions, while older students may be eligible for a concealed carry permit, individual colleges and universities in Kentucky have the authority to set their own policies regarding the carrying of concealed weapons on campus. These policies can restrict or prohibit students from carrying concealed weapons, even if the students possess a valid concealed carry permit. It is important for students and all individuals to be aware of and comply with the specific regulations of the educational institution they are on, as well as all applicable state and federal laws.