Jay Nixon

A wave of schoolplace shootings in 1997 and 1998 prompted much debate on how to prevent violence in schools. In the following viewpoint, Jay Nixon, attorney general for the state of Missouri, defends legislation he proposed that would ban all guns within one thousand feet of public schools (existing state law already prohibited guns within schools). Nixon argues that creating gun-free school zones would make schools safer and send a strong message that guns are not to be tolerated in places of learning.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How many Missouri students were discovered with guns in 1996, according to Nixon?
2. According to the author, what other safety precautions and laws have been passed governing zones around schools?
3. What does Nixon believe should be done with students who carry guns or are otherwise considered to be...