Click Here to Read the Full Letter.

The University of Pittsburgh Student Government Board (SGB) is demanding action on gun violence prevention from the state and federal government. In an open letter to our representatives and lawmakers, SGB calls for stricter regulation on the sale of assault weapons, including, but not limited to: the expansion of background checks, the closure of the gun show loophole, and the banning of bump stocks.

In the wake of the massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, SGB is calling upon our government to enact tangible change to ensure that we put an end to these mass shootings. It is time for change. It is time for action. Thoughts and prayers alone will no longer suffice.  

 “It is time for our lawmakers to put aside partisanship,” the letter reads. “This is not a matter of Democratic or Republican affiliation, but rather of safeguarding the most fundamental principles our nation was built upon – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

SGB has distributed the open letter to college and university student governments across the country, asking for their support and signature.

“I want to commend the Pitt Student Government Board for taking action to make our country safer and curb the epidemic of gun violence that’s struck nearly every community,” said U.S. Representative Mike Doyle, who represents the City of Pittsburgh and many nearby municipalities. “As someone who’s been working in Congress for years to reduce gun violence, I know how hard it is to enact common-sense gun laws like universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons. Grassroots initiatives like this could make all the difference.”

Signatures will be accepted through December 31st. When the 116th Congress is sworn in on January 3rd, SGB plans to deliver this letter to each and every congressperson.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Operations Director Jon Shaiken at jos202@pitt.edu.