Laws & Policies

One of the arched side entrances to Little Rock Central High School

NPS Photo

 

Rooted in the purpose of Little Rock Central High School NHS as defined in its enabling legislation, the mission of the park is to interpret the desegregation events of 1957 at Little Rock Central High School, both on its own and as a catalyst for the Civil Rights movement nationwide. The 1957 desegregation crisis emphasized the quest for justice and equality for all, and Little Rock Central High School NHS seeks to expand an understanding of this fundamental aspiration shown by the Little Rock Nine into contemporary issues. Little Rock Central High School NHS, therefore, seeks to preserve both the physical and the intangible resources associated with the goals of the Civil Rights Movement in the past, the present, and the future. This dual goal, to convey both the significance of the events at Little Rock Central High School in 1957 and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality, has resulted in multiple interpretive and public engagement strategies that use the several facilities within the park and beyond.

 

Superintendent's Compendium

In the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Superintendents of each unit of the National Park Service have the opinion to develop specific designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions to address unique management needs of their particular unit. Within the CFR, Superintendents are given the authority to amend, modify, relax, or make more stringent certain regulations. These park specific regulations are incorporated into a document called the Superintendent's Compendium and are an extension of the CFR.

• Little Rock Central High School NHS Superintendent's Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority

 

Possession of Firearms in National Park Service Units

In areas administered by the National Park Service, an individual can possess a firearm if that individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm and if the possession of the firearm complies with the laws of the state where the park area is located. 54 U.S.C. 104906.

It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable Federal, state and local firearms laws and regulations, including laws authorizing or prohibiting concealed carry, before entering a national park. As a starting point, please visit our state’s website for more information regarding state regulations.

If a park is located in a jurisdiction where the applicable state and local laws grant reciprocity to non-resident firearm owners, then consistent with the applicable law, the park will equally recognize the reciprocity. For information on state and local laws, please contact the state and locality where the park is located.

Possession of Firearms in Federal Facilities

Unless expressly authorized, Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon in NPS facilities. These buildings include, but are not limited to, government offices, visitor centers, ranger stations, fee collection buildings, and maintenance facilities. 18 U.S.C. 930.

For clear notification, these facilities are marked at public entrances. At Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, firearms are not permitted in the visitor center. In addition, Little Rock Central High School is an operating, four-year public school within the boundary of the park. State law prohibits firearms in "any school, college, community college, or university campus building or event, unless for the purpose of participating in an authorized firearms-related activity."

Use of Firearms

Unless authorized, the use or discharge of a firearm within a park area is prohibited. 36 CFR 2.4(b) and 13.30(c). In parks where hunting is specifically mandated or authorized by federal statute, firearms may be used to hunt in accordance with NPS regulations and state laws. 36 CFR 2.2.

Visitors should not consider firearms as protection from wildlife.