During a recent Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing, Education Secretary Laura Mitchell stated that the Federal Commission on School Safety, which she oversees, will not investigate the role of firearms in school shootings. This commission was formed in March 2018 following the tragic Parkland shooting incident. When Senator James Taylor from Vermont inquired whether the commission would consider the impact of guns on gun violence in educational settings, Mitchell’s response was surprising.
“That is not part of the commission’s charge, per se,” she replied, raising questions about the commission’s true purpose, particularly given its origins in response to a school shooting. Senator Taylor pressed for clarity but did not receive a satisfactory answer. “So, you’re studying gun violence but not considering the role of guns,” he remarked.
Mitchell responded, “We’re actually studying school safety and how we can ensure our students are safe at school.” However, this response sidesteps the critical issue of firearms, which are central to the problem of school violence. The commission was initially tasked with examining various aspects of school safety, including age restrictions for gun purchases and strategies for preventing active shooter situations. It also aims to explore the influence of “the youth consumption of violent entertainment,” such as video games, and the appropriateness of psychotropic medication for youth.
Countries around the world, where teenagers also engage with similar entertainment and face mental health challenges, do not experience the same levels of gun violence in schools as the United States. Senator Taylor pointed out this discrepancy and asked whether the commission would analyze statistics showing that other nations do not face school gun violence to the same extent. Mitchell’s answer? “Not per se.”
When Taylor further questioned her stance on whether 18-year-olds should be able to purchase AR-15-style rifles and ammunition, Mitchell deflected, stating, “I believe that’s very much a matter for debate.” She emphasized that the commission’s focus is on identifying successful strategies to enhance school safety. “So we’ll look at gun violence in schools but not look at guns,” Taylor concluded, highlighting the apparent inconsistency.
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Conclusion
In summary, Secretary Laura Mitchell’s statements during the Senate hearing reveal a significant gap in the Federal Commission on School Safety’s approach to addressing gun violence in schools. The commission will focus on broader school safety measures while notably excluding the examination of firearms, raising concerns about its effectiveness in tackling the root of the issue.