Gun violence in schools has been a prevalent issue across the United States since the late 1980s. But in more recent years, the issue has escalated. Every day, children live in fear of school shootings, especially in marginalized and underfunded areas. According to Sandy Hook Promise, since the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, almost 400,000 students in the U.S. have experienced gun violence in schools, and now, firearms are the leading cause of death for children ages 1-17. In the DMV area (Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia), there have been over 200 school shootings this year alone. These are not just numbers, these are real children, with families, dreams, and bright futures that should never be cut short.

We have committed ourselves to advocating against gun violence in schools, as it is an issue that personally affects us and countless other students, teachers, and families in Virginia and across the United States. We understand the terror that comes with the possibility of a shooting in our learning environments, a place we should all feel safe and secure. This is why we are taking a stand against the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025, and we need your help.

This Act, if passed, would allow individuals with concealed carry permits from other states to legally carry firearms in Virginia, even if our state laws are more stringent. This poses a significant risk to public safety and undermines the enforcement of our own gun control measures. Currently, Virginia has its own set of thoughtful regulations designed to protect its citizens, and this Act would erode those protections by overriding our local laws.

Our schools are meant to be safe havens for learning and growth, free from the fear of gun violence. Allowing an increase in firearms, carried by individuals who might not have undergone Virginia's rigorous background checks and safety training, contradicts this objective.

We must urge our Virginian senators to prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities above all else. We call on them to protect our local laws and not give way to external pressure that compromises our security.

Please join us in our fight to keep Virginia safe. Sign this petition to prevent the passing of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025 in Virginia. Together, we can make a difference and stand up for the safety of our schools and public spaces. Your signature is a step towards building a safer environment for everyone in Virginia.