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 Minnesota, firearms and weapons are generally prohibited on school grounds, which includes K-12 schools, as well as public colleges and universities. This prohibition is in accordance with both state statutes and federal law, specifically the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990. Minnesota Statute 609.66 and 609.605 state that it is a misdemeanor to carry a weapon on school property. However, there are exceptions for certain individuals, such as law enforcement officers or those with explicit permission from the school principal. As for concealed carry permits, while children in grades 1-12 are not eligible, adults, including college students, may apply for a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol. Eligibility for a concealed carry permit requires the applicant to be at least 21 years old and to have completed a firearms safety or training course. Even with a concealed carry permit, the right to carry a weapon on college campuses is restricted and governed by the individual institution's policies, which may prohibit weapons even for permit holders. It's important for students and all individuals to be aware of and comply with the specific policies of the educational institution they are attending or visiting.