South Dakota public colleges are preparing for significant changes as a new law, Senate Bill 100, comes into effect on July 1, permitting students aged 18 and older to carry concealed firearms on campuses. This legislative shift makes South Dakota the 12th state to allow such measures, requiring students with enhanced permits to complete a handgun safety course before carrying weapons on campus.
As institutions draft their policies, discussions are ongoing about which areas will remain firearm-free and how to ensure safety amid these changes. Advocates and opponents of the law present differing views on its implications for campus safety and mental health, with some experts raising concerns about potential risks, particularly regarding suicides among young adults. With significant policy adjustments on the horizon, the handling of concealed carry is set to reshape campus dynamics statewide.
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