Society for Science & the Public Calls on Lawmakers to Support Research on Gun Violence

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Society for Science & the Public stands with the tens of thousands of young people who are raising their voices for safer communities and schools. Since 2013 there have been more than 300 school shootings in America. This gun violence is having a deeply adverse effect on the ability of young people throughout the nation to learn. It is hindering their ability to feel safe inside their classrooms and communities. Developing the most effective policies depends on the availability of a usable knowledge base about the nature of the problem and knowing which approaches and policies are and are not effective.

Regrettably, rigorous scientific data derived from research about gun violence have been nearly impossible to obtain, preventing our leaders and the public from properly understanding the epidemic of gun-related deaths in the United States and the most effective approaches to dealing with this crisis. While Congress’ omnibus spending bill clears the way for research, that research still must be funded. It is time for roadblocks to be lifted and for our lawmakers to support and fund research concerning gun violence and safety.