The risks of gun violence have grown for our children during the COVID-19 pandemic, as gun sales increased 64% in 2020 and children now spend more time at home. It is becoming critically important that firearms are stored securely. Each year in the United States, nearly 350 children (ages 17 and under) gain access to a firearm and unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else. In addition, every year, nearly 700 children (ages 17 and under) die by suicide with a gun.

We are requesting that the District 205 School Board pass a safe storage resolution so that we can educate D205 parents about the importance of safely storing firearms and having conversations about firearm safety. Fifty-eight (58) other school districts in the United States, including Geneva, Illinois, have passed safe storage resolutions requiring information about secure storage to be sent home to all parents/guardians, or have sent Be SMART materials to parents via Principal newsletters.

The best way to keep firearms out of the hands of children is by making sure firearms are properly secured. Join us by signing this petition, so we can proactively educate D205 parents before gun violence happens in our community and our schools.