Should Schools Be Gun-Free Zones?

2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SITE

Last updated on: 7/23/2020 11:42:26 AM PST

A gun-free zone is an area where an average person cannot carry a gun. There is no legal definition, but gun-free zones frequently include schools, courthouses, jails, and airports. Most gun free zones have exceptions depending on the state. For example, some states allow teachers or other school employees with concealed carry permits to carry weapons on school grounds, other states allow guns in airport terminals, and almost all gun-free zones allow law enforcement officers to carry guns.

Source: Kerry Shaw, "What Is a ‘Gun-Free Zone,’ and What’s Behind the Movement to Get Rid of Them?," thetrace.org, Mar. 16, 2017

Pro

Biden

Con

Jorgensen

Trump

Not Clear or Not Found

Hawkins

Pro (Yes)

Pro

Biden
Democrat

Source:

[Editor's Note: Editor's Note: Joe Biden authored the Crime Control Act of 1990, which includes the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 and became law on Nov. 29, 1990. The Act made it illegal to knowingly posses a firearm on school grounds.

Source: Joe Biden,, "S.3266 - Crime Control Act of 1990," congress.gov, Nov. 29, 1990]

Con (No)

Con

Jorgensen
Libertarian

"No. 'Gun-free zones' turn school grounds into killing fields.

Most mass shootings occur where guns are prohibited. A murderous criminal isn’t stopped by a 'gun free zone,' and will often head specifically for a gun-free zone where there will be fewer armed people who could stop him.

Law-abiding citizens who leave their guns at home, including teachers in classrooms, are left defenseless. Gun-free zones give mass murderers time to slaughter even more children before anyone can bring them down.

Because I want an end to horrific school shootings, I call for the repeal of 'Gun-Free' Safety Zone laws."

Source: Communication from the Jorgensen campaign to ProCon.org on Sep. 8, 2020.

Con

Trump
Republican

"Very strong improvement and strengthening of background checks will be fully backed by White House. Legislation moving forward. Bump Stocks will soon be out. Highly trained expert teachers will be allowed to conceal carry, subject to State Law. Armed guards OK, deterrent!....... If schools are mandated to be gun free zones, violence and danger are given an open invitation to enter. Almost all school shootings are in gun free zones. Cowards will only go where there is no deterrent!"

Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Mar. 12, 2018

None Found

Hawkins
Green

No position found as of July 24, 2020.

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