A recently enacted state law has made it legal to allow its citizens to carry concealed handguns; however, the law states that weapons are prohibited on the physical premises of a school, an educational institution or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or an educational institution, whether the school or educational institution is public or private. The written policy of The Art Institute of Houston is: The possession of firearms (such as pistols, rifles, shotguns, pellet guns), knives or swords, commercial or handmade explosive charges (including fireworks), or any object or chemical specifically designed or made to inflict bodily harm to another person, is prohibited on The Art Institute of Houston property. This includes garages, parking areas, and school sponsored housing. Permission to carry knives, etc,. will only be given to those students if such tools are needed for class assignments (example: Culinary students).