Recap of Open Discussion: Youth & Gun Violence
In 2020, gun violence became the leading cause of death for American children ages 1-17.
Although gun violence is now the leading cause of death among white American children, gun fatalities are ten to fifteen times higher among Black children than those of white youth, while Brown American youth have died from gun violence at five times the rate than that of white American youth.
It was with these staggering numbers of a uniquely American tragedy in mind that RARE hosted the first of its 2025 Open Discussions. The topic was Youth and Gun Violence. The guest panel consisted of Seattle students who live and go to school in a world vastly different from the one in which the founders of RARE lived during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, when gun prevalence and accessibility were fractions of what they are today.
The guest panel was headed by moderator Chetan Soni, a current UW student and member of the Washington Youth Alliance. He was joined by three other current students: Semai Hagos, a first-year student at Seattle Pacific University and a member of the NAACP Youth Council, Fiona Berhane, a student at the Seattle Academy and a member of the NAACP Youth Council and William Souza-Ponce, a Ballard High School senior and also a member of the NAACP Youth Council. Semai and William made their second Open Discussions appearances.
The evening began with Open Discussions Committee chair Robin Lange welcoming the panelists who in turn stated their reasons for wanting to participate in such an important conversation. Semai Hagos joined because of fellow students she knew who had been impacted “in a horrible way” by gun violence. William Souza-Ponce noted the recent shootings on Seattle School campuses. Fiona Berhane spoke about the fear of being shot that young people feel at schools, malls, and “wherever you go.” Semai agreed.
“It feels like we’re living in a society that is getting progressively more dangerous.” – Semai, SPU student
The panelists spoke about the rash of school shootings in Seattle and the country, an issue that wasn’t ever on the radars of RARE founders during their K-12 experiences. William noted that most doors at Ballard High School are locked during the day. “People can still get in,” he said. “You should be able to feel safe and comfortable at school. But it doesn’t feel that way.”
Semai brought up the controversial issue regarding phone policies at schools. She said that various policies of not allowing phones in schools make students feel vulnerable. But she has found the Student Resource Officers at SPU a valuable asset, not just in protecting students, but acting as experienced elders and, at time, mentors.
What about school resource officers at school?
The policy of police presence in schools drew mixed comments. An audience member familiar with law enforcement noted the political pressure to eliminate gangs often led to false targeting of Black students for behavior that was accepted if done by whites, notably the flashing of signs, some innocuous as peace signs. Fiona Berhane felt a police presence in schools is necessary. Semai liked the idea of well-trained security guards.
The impact of access to mental health resources and support
All panelists agreed that increased mental health services would most greatly benefit students and have the greatest impact for lowering gun incidents among youth. Chetan Soni noted Seattle’s City Council allocating substantial funds to the Seattle School District to expand mental health services. Fiona lauded the Seattle School District for amping up its efforts to reach troubled students, especially those whose access to private mental health care and counseling is financially out of reach.
“A lot of gun violence stems from not being heard—being misunderstood. Having someone to listen to you is a tremendous help.” – Fiona, Seattle Academy student
Semai agreed. “When you are a student a lot is going on at home and it could be going on in school. It’s valuable to have someone who will truly listen to you, that will keep your secrets if you wish. Someone to tell you that if you’re struggling and thinking bad thoughts—what you’re going through doesn’t always have to continue to be that way.” She noted that good counseling helps students find ways to get through troubled times. “Somebody to listen to you,” Semai said, “to get the weight off of you. A lot of people might not understand how important that is. A little goes a long way.”
Moderator Chetan Soni asked the panel how students, family and people in the community can get involved in gun violence prevention. Fiona said that lawmakers need to hear from students. “We are the future that policymakers are working on,” she said. “It only makes sense to involve us.” William noted that students can air their concerns at school board meetings.
Local and national gun violence prevention laws
The gun violence numbers tell of a uniquely American tragedy. School shootings and mass shootings dot the American calendar every year. Nearly all states in the union have a higher death toll from gun violence that most countries. “The United States is the only place where things like this happen,” William Souza-Ponce said. He laments the lack of action by lawmakers, particularly at the federal level.
In contrast, he recalled the 2019 New Zealand Mosque shooting by a white nationalist who killed 51 people and injured 89 others. Within a month New Zealand’s Parliament voted 191-1 to ban semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles.
All panelists displayed a keen awareness of the problem and possible ways to mitigate it. Fiona noted how most gun fatalities involve a weapon used by someone other than the gun’s owner. The panel called for more safe storage laws and holding gun owners more accountable. William recalled a recent case in which parents of a mass shooter were arrested. “We need stricter gun laws,” Semai said.
Chetan also expressed his frustration with the federal government’s failure to act on gun violence, but praised the state of Washington for enacting stronger gun safety laws than most states. He also impressed upon the panel and the RARE audience the way that youth can help stem these tragedies by being aware of their surroundings and their peers. “Encourage the youth in your life to report something if they hear about it, even if it’s a rumor. Because all rumors have a shred of truth in them. It could be the difference between life and death.”
Organizations working for more gun violence prevention
Chetan concluded the evening by mentioning a few key groups on the local gun violence prevention front. Two of the most active in the Seattle area are The Alliance for Gun Responsibility and Grandmothers Against Gun Violence. Nationally two major players are Moms Demand Action and Everytown For Gun Safety. All the websites are listed below.
RARE greatly appreciates Chetan, Semai, Fiona, and William taking time to join the first Open Discussion of 2025. Discussing the horrific problem of gun violence and its devastating effects on American youth can only lead to greater awareness and action.
The RARE community appreciates them all for an insightful evening.
The Alliance for Gun Responsibility
