This movement advocates for gun control and against gun violence in the United States. Guns are deeply rooted in the country’s economy – as the world leader in military weapons exports – and social norms. The movement faces many challenges, first and foremost the vagueness of the Second Amendment: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Organizations, including the National Rifle Association (NRA), claim gun control legislation infringes on Americans’ Constitutional rights.
Recent tragedies involving gun violence have sparked student-led activism across the nation. Historically, there is a diverse group of parents, students, school officials, and community leaders who stand together to create safer schools and communities.
Although some activists call for a total gun ban, most groups involved in this movement support gun control reform. Popular goals for this legislation include universal background checks for gun purchasers, raising the minimum age of gun purchasers from 18 to 21 years old, and banning military-style assault rifles for civilians.
Gun control groups also pursue greater education of gun safety procedures to prevent future tragedies.