HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2018-017 Resolution in support of local youth-led efforts to prevent gun violence in schoolsI3*201"0�'1
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL YOUTH -LED EFFORTS CALLING FOR
STATE AND NATIONAL ACTION TO PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS AND
COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE
WHEREAS, gun violence is a crisis in the United States, especially for children; and
WHEREAS, the US has the highest rate of gun violence among its peers, including nearly six times
the gun homicide rate of Canada, more than seven times that of Sweden, and nearly 16 times that of
Germany; and
WHEREAS, on average, two dozen children are shot every day in the United States; and
WHEREAS, more than 150,000 students attending at least 170 primary or secondary schools have
experienced a shooting on campus since the Columbine High School massacre in 1999; and
WHEREAS, along with school shootings, countless other lives are impacted by gun violence that
do not make headlines every day. Ninety -six Americans are shot and killed and hundreds more are
wounded each day in this country; and
WHEREAS, every child deserves to learn in a school that is safe and adults must do more to protect
our students and schools from gun violence; and
WHEREAS, young people in our community are taking the lead, in solidarity with Marjory
Stoneman Douglas High School, in calling for action by state and national leaders and asking that
adults listen and follow their lead; and
WHEREAS, these grassroots and youth -led efforts build on the momentum of Black Lives Matter,
the Dream Defenders, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Americans for
Responsible Solutions, and other efforts to amplify the majority of voices who support sensible gun
control legislation in the U.S; and
WHEREAS, these youth are taking part in protests and other actions to demand that they be kept
safe in their schools; and
WHEREAS, we reject arming teachers or other acts that would put more guns and fear in our
schools;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners supports our
youth in their assertions that sensible gun control legislation efforts including universal background
checks, waiting periods, and an assault weapon ban will prevent gun violence; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners supports
the youth -led actions to make their voices heard and calls on the community and State and federal
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elected leaders to act on sensible gun control legislative measures to prevent further gun violence in
our schools and in our communities; and
BE IT MOREOVER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to Senators Richard
Burr and Thom Tillis, Congressman David Price, and Governor Roy Cooper.
This the 8th day of March, 2018.
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners