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 New York State, the possession of firearms, knives, and other weapons on school grounds is strictly regulated by both state and federal laws, as well as by individual school policies. Under New York Penal Law Section 265.01-a, it is a criminal offense to knowingly possess a firearm in or upon the grounds of a school. This law applies to all educational institutions from elementary to higher education. Federal law also prohibits firearms within school zones under the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990. While New York does issue concealed carry permits (CCP) to eligible individuals, these permits do not generally allow the carrying of concealed weapons on school grounds. College students who are of age and possess a CCP are still subject to these restrictions, as most college campuses in New York have policies that forbid the carrying of weapons. 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 regarding weapons on school property.