Pentagon gives away machine guns and grenade launchers to school districts

Some school districts in the United States were given free military grade weapons and gear by the Pentagon, including M16 rifles and mine-resistant armored vehicles.

More than 26 school districts have taken part in the Pentagon's surplus program, The Guardian reported.

The equipment provided by the Pentagon included heavy combat weapons like grenade launchers and vehicles called MRAP, which all have been known known to be used in war,

Some schools stated that they will keep the equipment because it is needed to protect the school police, students and teachers in case of a school shooting. Others said they will send it back.

School shootings have become an important concern for educators, public authorities and parents. Especially after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, which claimed the lives of 20 children and six staff members.

On December 14, 2012, 20 year-old Adam Lanza opened fire at the school after he shot and killed his mom at their home in Newtown, Connecticut. After the shooting, he committed suicide, shooting himself in the head.

Some education and civil liberties groups, approximately two dozen, called for the Pentagon to stop the program. They also sent letters to the Departments of Justice and Education about the issue, the Guardian said.

Apparently, this is not the first time that Pentagon gave away the extra equipment they had, but after the recent tension in Ferguson, Missouri, the program came under public scrutiny.

In August 2014, Michael Brown, an unarmed teenager was shot by a Ferguson police officer named Darren Wilson. The shooting sparked protests and the situation escalated into violence between the police and protesters.

The Ferguson police at the site of the protests were equipped with military grade weapons and gear. Many criticized the police for their disproportionate response to a peaceful crowd. The incident brought back the discussion of the militarization of police, which has been one of the most discussed topics in U.S. society recently.