Why Is the Pentagon Sending Grenade Launchers to College Campuses?

At least 117 colleges have acquired
surplus military equipment from the Department of Defense,
according to a recent article in The Chronicle of Higher
Education.

The surplus military gear was made available under a program
known as the 1033 program, which shot to public attention following
the recent events in Ferguson, Missouri.

Campus police departments have used the program to obtain
military equipment as mundane as men’s trousers (Yale University)
and as serious as a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle (Ohio
State University).

Modified grenade launchers were also acquired, by University of
Central Florida, and Hinds Community College, whilst at least 60
institutions used the program to obtain M-16 assault rifles.

Trousers and office supplies aside, why do campus police
departments require military equipment designed to withstand
roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Among those contacted by the Chronicle was Michael
Qualls, an associate professor of criminal justice at Fort Valley
State University, Georgia. In Qualls’ view, there is no reason for
campus police departments not to gain access to military
equipment:

“If we continue on with the 1033 program, as those items become
obsolete at the military level and if they become available, why
not get ’em?” Mr. Qualls said. “It’s better to be prepared than not
prepared.”

However, one thing that the events of Ferguson showed was that
once police departments possess military equipment, they are
increasingly likely to use it. The improper use of such equipment
can further exacerbate tensions with law enforcement, and is
potentially disastrous.

America has already seen the disastrous consequences that can
occur when a militarized force clashes with students.  In 1970
it resulted in the death of four young college students, in what
became known as the Kent State massacre.

This senseless loss of life was recently used as
inspiration for a sweatshirt design, in what was probably a
publicity stunt by Urban Outfitters. Regardless of your view of the
garment, it’s a reminder of what is at stake when it comes to
police militarization.