University of Wyoming to Permit Concealed Carry Following New State Law

Following the passage of the Repeal Gun Free Zones and Preemption Amendments Act, the University of Wyoming (UW) Board of Trustees has voted to allow concealed firearms on campus, Oil City News reports.

The decision, made at the board’s April 3 meeting, reflects the new state law, which eliminates gun-free zones across Wyoming.

The board’s vote was unanimous but came with some reluctance. As recently as November, a narrow 6–5 majority had opted to maintain the previous restrictions on firearms. However, with HB0172 officially becoming law on February 27—without Governor Mark Gordon’s signature—the university had little choice but to comply.

The new law not only allows firearms on college campuses but also permits concealed carry in government meetings, public school grounds, and certain areas of airports where federal law does not prohibit it. Additionally, the legislation criminalizes any attempts to enforce restrictions on carrying firearms in these locations.

UW President Ed Seidel had previously acknowledged that legislative changes would likely override the university’s stance. In a statement last November, he assured students and staff that, despite the shift in policy, campus safety remains a top priority.