South Dakota boldly expands gun rights on public college campuses, empowering students and staff to defend themselves against potential threats despite critics’ unfounded concerns.
Key Takeaways
- South Dakota’s campus carry law took effect July 1, 2025, allowing firearms on public colleges and technical schools.
- Senate Bill 100, signed by Governor Larry Rhoden, permits those with enhanced or restricted enhanced permits to carry concealed weapons on campus.
- The law extends beyond firearms to include non-lethal self-defense options like mace and pepper spray.
- Governor Rhoden dismissed critics’ concerns by comparing them to similar unfounded fears about constitutional carry that never materialized.
- The legislation reinforces Second Amendment rights while prioritizing campus security.
South Dakota Strengthens Second Amendment Rights on Campus
South Dakota has taken a significant step toward strengthening Second Amendment rights with the implementation of campus carry on public college campuses and technical schools. The measure, which took effect on July 1, 2025, was included in Senate Bill 100 and signed into law by Governor Larry Rhoden. This landmark legislation permits individuals with enhanced or restricted concealed carry permits to bring firearms onto campus properties, marking a victory for Second Amendment advocates and supporters of expanded self-defense rights in educational settings across the state.
“There is a lot of concern that we’ll see in the coming time that it is unfounded and that we can get along just right, honoring and respecting our Second Amendment rights the way they were intended,” said Gov. Larry Rhoden, Governor of South Dakota.
Addressing Critics’ Concerns
Critics of the campus carry legislation have expressed concerns about potential safety risks associated with allowing firearms on college campuses. However, Governor Rhoden has firmly countered these apprehensions by pointing to South Dakota’s previous experience with constitutional carry legislation. The governor emphasized that the dire predictions made when constitutional carry was implemented in the state never materialized, suggesting that similar fears about campus carry are likely to prove equally unfounded as the law takes effect.
“For years and years, law enforcement, there was a lot of wringing of the hands about what could happen with constitutional carry. None of that proved to be true. That was six years since we passed that law,” said Gov. Larry Rhoden, Governor of South Dakota.
Expanded Self-Defense Options
The new law extends beyond just firearms, recognizing the importance of providing multiple self-defense options for campus communities. In addition to guns, the legislation legalizes non-lethal self-defense tools such as mace and pepper spray on public college and technical school properties. This comprehensive approach acknowledges that different individuals may have different preferences or comfort levels when it comes to self-defense methods, while still maintaining the core principle of empowering people to protect themselves in emergencies.
Implementation and Requirements
Under the new campus carry law, students, visitors, and school employees are permitted to carry concealed weapons on campus, provided they possess an enhanced or restricted enhanced concealed carry permit. These permits require additional training beyond standard concealed carry permits, ensuring that individuals bringing firearms onto campus have received proper instruction in firearm safety and responsible use. The law strikes a balance between expanding Second Amendment rights and maintaining reasonable safeguards through the permit requirements.
A Win for Constitutional Rights
The implementation of campus carry in South Dakota represents a significant victory for Second Amendment advocates who have long argued that gun-free zones on college campuses leave students and staff vulnerable to potential threats. By allowing responsible, permitted gun owners to carry on campus, South Dakota joins several other states that have recognized the right of law-abiding citizens to maintain their means of self-defense even in educational settings. The law reflects the state’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights while addressing legitimate security concerns.
As South Dakota moves forward with implementation, the focus remains on ensuring campus communities understand the new provisions while maintaining an environment conducive to education. The success of similar legislation in other states suggests that campus carry can be implemented without disruption to the academic mission, while potentially enhancing security through the deterrent effect of an armed citizenry. President Trump’s administration has consistently supported such Second Amendment initiatives, recognizing that armed citizens are often the first and most effective line of defense against violent threats.
