Kent State Police Remain Vigilant as Ohio Concealed Carry Laws change

Ohio becomes the 25^th state to adopt a new Concealed Carry law allowing individuals 21 and older no longer need to carry a permit or complete the eight-hour handgun training course to carry and conceal a firearm in public while also eliminating the requirement that people “promptly” notify police officers they are carrying concealed weapons.

Kent States policy on campus remains unchanged after Senate Bill 215, also known as “Permitless carry,” passed.

“A person can carry on campus, since it is an open carry state, regardless of if they’re concealed or not, they’re not allowed in buildings,” said Sgt. Tricia Knoles of Kent State University Police, “but they are allowed across campus.”

Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine signed a bill that went into effect on June 13^th, 2022 causing questions regarding Kent States policies concerning deadly weapons on campus.

Under university policy, “students, staff, faculty, and third parties doing business with the university are further prohibited from possessing, storing, or using a deadly weapon while outside on university grounds, that is owned, operated or leased by the university.”

Kent State is one of the safest campuses in the country, 11^th, Said Knoles. The campus has a full time police force on duty 24/7 to protect the Students, staff and visitors.

“If anyone sees a person with a weapon or anything that makes them uncomfortable, to call us. We are here to protect. ” said Knoles