News
September 09, 2025
Jacob Sullum - The Gun-Free School Zones Act Is doubly dubious
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., (recently) reintroduced a bill that would repeal the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act, which he says jeopardizes student and teacher safety by prohibiting armed defense against violent intruders. As I explain in my new book “Beyond...
**The Gun-Free School Zones Act: A Target or a Shield?**
A heated debate over school safety has reignited with Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, reintroducing a bill aimed at repealing the Gun-Free School Zones Act (GFSZA). Massie argues that the federal law, which prohibits unauthorized individuals from possessing firearms within designated school zones, inadvertently makes schools more vulnerable to violence. His core contention is that by disarming law-abiding citizens, including teachers and staff who may be trained and authorized to carry, the GFSZA removes a crucial layer of defense against potential attackers.
Massie's renewed effort to dismantle the GFSZA comes amid ongoing national conversations about school shootings and the best strategies for protecting students and educators. Proponents of repeal, like Jacob Sullum, whose new book delves deeper into the issue, assert that the law creates a "soft target" environment, where criminals are aware that potential victims are unlikely to be armed. They believe that allowing trained and vetted individuals to carry firearms on school grounds could deter attackers and provide an immediate response during an active shooter situation, potentially saving lives.
The Gun-Free School Zones Act, originally passed in 1990 and later amended, generally prohibits individuals from knowingly possessing a firearm in a school zone. The law aims to create a safe and secure learning environment for children by reducing the presence of guns on school campuses. However, critics argue that the law's broad scope and numerous exceptions have rendered it ineffective.
The debate surrounding the GFSZA is complex, with passionate arguments on both sides. Supporters of the law maintain that introducing more guns into schools, even with training and vetting, would increase the risk of accidental shootings, suicides, and escalated conflicts. They argue that focusing on comprehensive approaches, such as improved mental health services, threat assessments, and enhanced security measures like controlled access and active shooter drills, is a more effective way to protect schools.
The reintroduction of Massie's bill signals a renewed push to re-evaluate the effectiveness of current gun control measures in schools. The debate is expected to be vigorous, with lawmakers and advocacy groups on both sides presenting data and arguments to support their respective positions. The ultimate outcome will likely have a significant impact on school safety policies and the ongoing discussion about gun control in America.
A heated debate over school safety has reignited with Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, reintroducing a bill aimed at repealing the Gun-Free School Zones Act (GFSZA). Massie argues that the federal law, which prohibits unauthorized individuals from possessing firearms within designated school zones, inadvertently makes schools more vulnerable to violence. His core contention is that by disarming law-abiding citizens, including teachers and staff who may be trained and authorized to carry, the GFSZA removes a crucial layer of defense against potential attackers.
Massie's renewed effort to dismantle the GFSZA comes amid ongoing national conversations about school shootings and the best strategies for protecting students and educators. Proponents of repeal, like Jacob Sullum, whose new book delves deeper into the issue, assert that the law creates a "soft target" environment, where criminals are aware that potential victims are unlikely to be armed. They believe that allowing trained and vetted individuals to carry firearms on school grounds could deter attackers and provide an immediate response during an active shooter situation, potentially saving lives.
The Gun-Free School Zones Act, originally passed in 1990 and later amended, generally prohibits individuals from knowingly possessing a firearm in a school zone. The law aims to create a safe and secure learning environment for children by reducing the presence of guns on school campuses. However, critics argue that the law's broad scope and numerous exceptions have rendered it ineffective.
The debate surrounding the GFSZA is complex, with passionate arguments on both sides. Supporters of the law maintain that introducing more guns into schools, even with training and vetting, would increase the risk of accidental shootings, suicides, and escalated conflicts. They argue that focusing on comprehensive approaches, such as improved mental health services, threat assessments, and enhanced security measures like controlled access and active shooter drills, is a more effective way to protect schools.
The reintroduction of Massie's bill signals a renewed push to re-evaluate the effectiveness of current gun control measures in schools. The debate is expected to be vigorous, with lawmakers and advocacy groups on both sides presenting data and arguments to support their respective positions. The ultimate outcome will likely have a significant impact on school safety policies and the ongoing discussion about gun control in America.
Category:
Politics