FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Croton Falls, NY)

Following the tragic events earlier today at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, CA where early reports show that two students are dead and at least three are severely injured, The Campaign to Keep Guns off Campus issued the following statement:

“We first want to extend our deepest sympathies to the families, friends, students, and the entire Saugus High School community.  No child, teacher, staff person or administrator in the United States should have to worry about whether they will be traumatized by gun violence in a place that should be a sanctuary for learning.

“While the full circumstances and facts surrounding today’s tragedy are still unknown, the shooter has been identified as a 16 year-old student at Saugus High School. Recent research from Valdosta State University Professor Tom Hochschild and colleagues (2019) suggests that perpetrators of school shootings often return to their alma mater to commit these violent acts because they believe they have been mistreated by other students, faculty, or administrators. Measures to reduce the likelihood of future school shootings include limiting students’ access to firearms, and providing full funding for school based anti-violence and counseling programs. See link to study: https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/k-12-alma-mater-school-shootings-with-2-killed-1990-2018/238577

“Our young people and our educators need to know that our local, state and federal officials are doing everything they can to support policies that reduce gun violence in our nation – something that should start with Presidential & Congressional leadership but is sorely lacking.”

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ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN TO KEEP GUNS OFF CAMPUS
The Campaign to Keep Guns off Campus was founded in 2008 to urge colleges and universities to band together to oppose the gun lobby’s agenda to push loaded, concealed guns on college campuses. To date, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and more than 420 colleges and universities in 42 states have joined the Campaign. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Contact:

Andy Pelosi, Executive Director, [email protected] (914-629-6726)