Safer Gun Policy Instead of Lockdowns

Dear Editor,

Last week we witnessed yet another mass school shooting unfold.

While our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Umpqua, OR, community, we know that thoughts and prayers are not enough.Three short weeks ago, two IL suburban high schools were on lockdown because of nearby shootings - Hinsdale South and Evanston Township.

In the latter incident, a man was reportedly shot in the head nearby. As a parent and teacher, I am concerned for the immediate safety and cumulative emotional toll on students and faculty from these repeated lockdowns and drills.On the same day, I read about extraordinary efforts being considered by schools outside Illinois to provide bulletproof blankets to students and install Shooter Detection Systems to protect students from school shootings.

An entire protective industry is springing up to shield our kids from bullets. Instead, why don’t we take action to keep criminals and dangerous people from obtaining guns in the first place? Here in Illinois, there is a legislative bill, SB 1883, which would require gun dealers to get a state license. This simple action would help keep guns from dangerous people at the source, not by requiring the public to wear suits of armor.

I’m a member of the Illinois chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. I am writing to ask our state legislators to pass SB 1883. Smart gun laws, like SB 1883, are associated with reduced gun violence. Parents shouldn’t be afraid to send their kids to school because of gun violence. And educators should be given the chance to teach students who are not distracted by fears of gun violence.Please tell our Springfield legislators, Leaders Christine Radogno and Jim Durkin, and Governor Rauner to pass SB 1883—and keep our children safe.

Mary Ann Quinlan
Western Springs