The use of firearms in school violence, including violence between school students and attacks by outsiders, has become a near-commonplace event in recent decades. From Columbine to Virginia Tech to Sandy Hook, the names of these schools and the horrific events they bring to mind have left a void in the hearts of many. However, there are many school shootings we don’t hear about. Since 2009, there has been at least 180 shootings at K-12 schools across the US, taking the lives of 356 victims. Both gun rights and gun control advocates have suggested ways to prevent the next school shooting. These ideas include posting armed security guards at schools, arming school employees, hardening school structures and entryways, and restricting access to firearms. Opponents of placing guns in schools warn that arming teachers and guards will increase the chance of accidental shootings, or of others acquiring their weapons. Advocates claim school and community gun violence is a result of many factors and will require a multifaceted approach to decrease the likelihood of another school shooting. Among others, this approach could include better screening and treatment for the mentally ill, better school construction, and better ways to keep undesirables from acquiring guns and ammunition.
Proposed Legislation: H.R.4301 - School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act (116th Congress)
Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Lucy McBath (GA)
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