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1 in 4 U.S. Teachers Experienced Gun-Related Lockdowns Last Year

Recent Pew Research Center data reveals a concerning trend of gun-related lockdowns in schools, highlighting the widespread anxiety among educators.

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Police respond at West Lafayette High School in Lafayette, Ind., as the school was evacuated on March 26, 2024. Police received a call from someone who claimed to be inside the school with a gun but did not find any credible evidence related to the threats.
A teachers leads her student to English class at George Mason Elementary School in Alexandria, Virginia, in August 2023.
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Overview

  • About 25% of U.S. teachers reported experiencing a gun-related lockdown during the 2022-2023 school year.
  • High school teachers are most likely to experience these lockdowns, with urban schools reporting higher incidence rates.
  • Many teachers feel unprepared for active shooter situations, with only 30% rating their school's training as excellent.
  • The majority of teachers believe improving mental health services would effectively prevent school shootings.
  • Political views significantly influence teachers' opinions on preventive measures, such as arming educators or increasing security.