‘We will never use them’: the California universities stockpiling AR-15s, grenades and submachine guns

California universities have begun stockpiling military-grade weapons like AR-15s and stun grenades under a 2021 state law that permits campus police to possess such equipment for safety reasons. Students, however, are concerned that this weaponry could be used to suppress dissent, sparking debates on free speech and safety on campus. This move reflects a broader trend in the U.S. where educational institutions are increasingly integrating military tactics and gear into their security measures, raising questions about the balance between safety and civil liberties.