NOTE TO STUDENTS: This is a controversial issue for many Americans, especially those who feel strongly one way or the other about the Second Amendment. Be polite to those with whom you disagree when discussing these types of issues and always give the other person a chance to explain his/her point of view. Also, learn how to recognize when it is no longer productive to discuss an issue on which you strongly disagree.

BEFORE answering the questions, read the “Background” and watch the videos under “Resources” below.

1. What type of meeting did President Trump hold in Washington for survivors of the Parkland, Florida school shooting and families of victims of other school shootings?

2. What was the purpose of the meeting? - What did attendees talk about?

3. What did President Trump say about background checks for firearms? What promise did he make?

4. What did the president call on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to do earlier this week?

5. What do you think of President Trump’s listening session? (Was it effective?)

6. Solutions that have been suggested to prevent a school shooting from happening again include:
-ban assault weapons
-enforce existing gun laws
-raise the minimum age for purchasing a gun to 21
-allow teachers or school employees who are adept/experienced at handling a gun to carry concealed weapons on campus
-install metal detectors in every school and/or with only one entry point (pointed out that since Israel has done this they have had no school attacks)
-place more than one armed security guard in every school
-regular active shooter drills in every school
-address the issue of troubled students who threaten to harm others
-address the prescription drug issue, as almost all school shootings were committed by young men on certain types of medication (Note: Father of Columbine High School victim Rachel Scott said the issues is about connectedness - that most teens facing mental health issues are non-violent)
-require people who have been deemed a potential threat to others to get medical help/counseling or possible involuntary hospitalization

Many people either blame the guns or prescription medications. The father and brothers of Meadow Pollack, who was killed in the Parkland shooting, urged all sides to come together, to listen to all sides, and come up with the solution(s) that will keep kids safe. What do you think of this suggestion?