Trump and Vance Fail to Offer Solutions to School Violence

Education Policy Brief #196 | By: Evan Wechman | December 28, 2024

Photo by Jose Alonso on Unsplash

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Policy Summary:

The conversation about school shootings has recently been turned up a notch. After the deadly incident at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison Wisconsin two weeks ago, the nation has again turned its attention to this heated topic.  

 Since the deadly massacre at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, there have been many studies on the effects these incidents have on students at such schools.

Most have concluded that there are many long-lasting effects on young students who have been present at school shootings, even if they have escaped unscathed.  The consequences are numerous and not always apparent immediately after a school shooting.

For example, there is overwhelming evidence that survivors at such schools often suffer from absenteeism, depression, post-traumatic stress, and even drug abuse. The data indicates that even students present at school shootings where there are no fatalities are less likely than other students to graduate high school, and on average, earn significantly less money in employment when they reach their 20’s.

School shootings have risen in frequency since the Columbine incident and are now at their highest levels in the last 25 years.

Professor Maya Rossin-Slater who has studied the impact on student survivors at schools in Parkland and Sandy Hook, as well as incidents at less high-profile schools where no deaths occurred, has found the consequences are harming both the mental health and education of these children.

“Attention in the media on gun violence in schools tends to focus on the mass, indiscriminate, horrific events like Sandy Hook and Parkland and the victims, their families and friends,” Rossin-Slater said. “But there are many more shootings that take place at American schools in which nobody dies. Our research shows that children exposed to these shootings nevertheless experience massive disruptions in their learning and later economic well-being.”

Policy Analysis:

Though the consequences of such trauma are prevalent, the GOP has not given up its connection with the NRA. Vice President-elect JD Vance has said on the campaign trail that enacting stricter gun laws will not stop school shootings. This is in line with what has been a major talking point for the NRA.  

Vance has also said schools need tighter security such as stronger doors, better windows and more school resource officers. He has come under fire for his remarks about school shootings being a” fact of life.”  Though his team has said Vance’s comments were taken out of context, it seems he is missing the forest for the trees.

Vance, while acknowledging the despair of the current state of school violence, is not offering any solutions to the future trauma our students will endure.

Rather, his language suggests that once the Trump administration takes office, the GOP and NRA will still be joined at the hip and the focus will solely be on heightened security.

However, this will not do anything to curb the detrimental effects on students’ mental health and their ability to learn.  He doesn’t offer a plan to deal with these consequences, which is very dangerous.

On the other hand, the current administration deserves credit for trying to change the status quo. President Biden and Vice President Harris have both acknowledged a change in course is essential. They are pleading for stricter gun laws such as more stringent background checks and a ban on assault rifles.  

Unfortunately, with the Trump regime set to take office in a few weeks, such common-sense laws seem unlikely to be considered.

Engagement Resources

• Sandy Hook Promise — Preventing Gun Violence: Provides education and empowers youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities.
• Alliance for Gun Responsibility – Preventing Gun Violence: The Alliance for Gun Responsibility works to save lives and eliminate the harms caused by gun violence in every community through advocacy, education, and partnerships.

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