Despite Strong Opposition from Gun Safety Advocates, South Dakota Legislature Passes Measure to Force Guns on College Campuses, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action Urge Governor to Veto 

Following Passage from the South Dakota Senate, Lawmakers in the House Passed Today SB 100 

PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, issued the following statement following the passage of SB 100. The measure, which now heads to Governor Larry Rhoden’s desk, would force any state college, university, technical institution, or special program to allow people to carry concealed, loaded firearms on their campuses and in their buildings.

“This bill is shame disguised as safety in order to force guns on our college campuses,” said Julie Parker, a volunteer with the South Dakota chapter of Moms Demand Action. “South Dakota students deserve to learn in a productive and safe environment. Forcing education institutions to allow guns on school grounds will only do the opposite: creating an environment of fear and insecurity that threatens the well-being of everyone on campus from students to teachers and support staff. We strongly urge Governor Larry Rhoden to veto this bill and start his term on the side of safety and not the gun lobby.” 

In 2024 alone, there were at least 60 occurrences of gunfire at colleges and universities – resulting in at least 12 deaths and 54 injuries, adding more guns to the mix will only worsen this crisis thanks to easy access to guns. In the states that have already passed legislation to force colleges to allow guns on campus, there have been unintentional shootings by faculty and students in classrooms, dorm rooms, cafeterias, and other places on campus. More information on the importance of keeping guns off college campuses is available here. 

South Dakota ranks on the bottom five on the strength of its gun safety laws. In an average year, 123 people die by guns. With a rate of 13.8 deaths per 100,000 people, South Dakota has the 30th-highest rate of gun deaths in the US. 77% of gun deaths in South Dakota are by gun suicide. Gun violence costs South Dakota $1.7 billion each year, of which $16.8 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in South Dakota is available here.