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Abstract

While gun control has been a topic of controversy in the United States for decades, one area that has seemed undebatable is the protection of children from gun violence in our Nation’s schools. The methods of achieving this end goal vary from state to state. Some states have continued the longstanding tradition of designating schools as “gun-free zones,” while others have employed armed security guards. Florida has chosen the latter option for its public and charter schools. However, the Florida Legislature has taken a dramatic deviation from this path that will negatively affect students attending private religious schools: it passed a law that allows religious institutions that are attached to a school to decide to allow concealed carry permit holders to bring weapons on their grounds.

The passage of this law sparked traditional gun debate arguments. Gun rights activists voiced their opinions by saying that although this was a small step, it was a step in the right direction. Opponents of the law, including parents, preachers, and organizations, are unsettled by the new law and fear that the safety of the children attending these schools has been compromised. This article discusses the meaning of the new law and illustrates its shortcomings. It explains the implications of this law and argues why it should be repealed.

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