Loudoun County Public Schools in Northern Virginia recently passed a Gun Safety Storage Resolution in response to recent school shootings and threats in the area. The resolution requires the school division to update the student handbook with information about parents’ legal obligation to safely secure guns. Leaving loaded, unsecured firearms accessible to children under 14 years old is against the law in Virginia and can result in a Class 1 misdemeanor. The resolution aims to educate parents and guardians about the importance of storing guns securely and the legal responsibility to protect children from improperly stored firearms.
The decision to update the student handbook and notify parents about gun safety was made to address the fears students have regarding gun violence in schools. The school board emphasized that the information will not be used to collect data on gun ownership, but rather to educate the community on responsible gun storage practices. Board members highlighted the need for a united effort to keep kids safe and prevent gun-related incidents, citing data from the American Academy of Pediatrics that shows guns are a leading cause of death among American children and teens.
Board members emphasized the importance of common sense gun safety practices and urged parents to take responsibility for safely securing their firearms. The goal of the resolution is to promote community awareness and cooperation in keeping schools safe and preventing tragedies related to gun violence.
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