THE PARKLAND MASSACRE REVISITED

THE PARKLAND MASSACRE REVISITED

The Parkland massacre of 2018 will forever be etched in the minds of those who were affected by it. The shooting, which claimed the lives of 17 people and injured 17 others, was a tragedy that shook the nation to its core. But now, more than three years later, the families and survivors of the massacre are getting some closure.

According to reports, the 1200 building where the shooting occurred will be demolished soon. But before that happens, family members and survivors will be allowed to visit the building for a few weeks. The visits will be strictly private and accompanied by prosecutors, victim advocates, law enforcement officials and school district representatives.

It's a small step towards closure for those who lost loved ones in the shooting. But it's also a reminder of the need for better school safety measures in our country.

Since the Parkland shooting, there have been numerous efforts to improve school safety and prevent future tragedies. Recommendations have been made to implement access controls, conduct regular threat assessments, provide mental health services and counseling, develop emergency operation plans, train school staff and law enforcement, and enhance coordination and communication among school officials and community partners.

But as with any controversial issue, there are criticisms of these measures. Some argue that they create a false sense of security or infringe on the rights of students and staff. Others say they are costly and ineffective.

However, one thing is clear: we need to do more to prevent mass shootings in our schools. We need to find a balance between safety and freedom, between prevention and intervention.

It's a tough challenge, but one that we must tackle head-on. As the families and survivors of the Parkland massacre prepare to say goodbye to the 1200 building, let's remember that their loss was not in vain. Let's honor their memory by working towards a safer future for our children and our communities.

THE DEFT DIVE

On February 14, 2018, a former student named N******* C*** opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people and injuring 17 others. It was the deadliest shooting at a high school in U.S. history. ¹²

The shooting sparked a nationwide movement for gun control and school safety, led by the survivors and the families of the victims. C*** was sentenced to life in prison without parole on November 2, 2021, after pleading guilty to 17 counts of first-degree murder and 17 counts of attempted murder. ³

The building where the shooting occurred, known as the 1200 building, has been preserved as a crime scene since then, pending the trials of C*** and Scot Peterson, the former school resource officer who was accused of failing to confront the shooter. Peterson was acquitted of all charges on December 29, 2021. ⁴

Parkland families, survivors to visit 1200 building before it’s demolished

According to the Broward State Attorney's Office, family members and survivors of the massacre will be allowed to visit the 1200 building before it is demolished, starting from Wednesday, July 5, 2023. The visits will be strictly private and accompanied by prosecutors, victim advocates, law enforcement officials and school district representatives. ⁵⁶

The state attorney's office said that this procedure was made at the request of the 34 listed victims in the mass shooting prosecution and with the cooperation and agreement of all the agencies involved. The visits are expected to last for a few weeks. ⁵

After the visits, custody of the building will be turned back over to the Broward School District and it will be demolished. The school district said that it will move quickly to demolish the building, remove the debris and restore the site to a landscaped condition for future use. ⁷

List of victims

The following table shows the names and ages of the 17 people who were killed in the shooting.

 Alyssa Alhadeff  14 

Scott Beigel 35 

Martin Duque Anguiano  14 

Nicholas Dworet  17 

Aaron Feis  37 

Jaime Guttenberg  14 

Chris Hixon  49 

Luke Hoyer  15 

Cara Loughran  14 

Gina Montalto  14 

Joaquin Oliver  17 

Alaina Petty  14 

Meadow Pollack  18 

Helena Ramsay  17 

Alex Schachter  14 

Carmen Schentrup  16 

Peter Wang  15 

 Bing, 7/5/2023

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(7) In ‘strictly private’ sessions, 34 to visit crime scene of 2018 Parkland shooting. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/in-strictly-private-sessions-34-to-visit-crime-scene-of-2018-parkland-shooting/ar-AA1dqJrW.

(8) Family, survivors to visit Marjory Stoneman Douglas building | Miami Herald. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article277005813.html.

(9) Families ask court to allow reenactment of Parkland shooting - MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/families-ask-court-to-allow-reenactment-of-parkland-shooting/ar-AA1dqwzn.

Parkland shooting and school safety measures

The Parkland shooting prompted several initiatives to improve school safety measures nationwide, especially regarding access control, threat assessment, mental health support and emergency response. Two government commissions on school safety, one federal and one state, issued recommendations based on best practices and research.

Federal Commission on School Safety

The Federal Commission on School Safety was established by the Trump administration in March 2018 to study and recommend solutions to advance the safety of schools. The commission released its final report in December 2018, which contained 93 best practices and policy recommendations for federal, state and local governments. ¹

Some of the key recommendations related to school safety measures are:

• - Implementing access controls that limit the number of entry points to school buildings and allow only authorized personnel and visitors to enter.
• - Conducting regular threat assessments to identify and intervene with students who pose a risk of violence to themselves or others.
• - Providing mental health services and counseling to students who need them and promoting a positive school climate that fosters social and emotional learning.
• - Developing emergency operation plans that include protocols for prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery in the event of a crisis.
• - Training school staff, students and law enforcement on how to respond to an active shooter situation and conducting drills and exercises to test the plans.
• - Enhancing coordination and communication among school officials, law enforcement, first responders and community partners.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission was created by the Florida legislature in March 2018 to investigate the Parkland shooting and make recommendations to improve school safety and security. The commission released its initial report in January 2019, which contained 215 findings and 100 recommendations. ²

Some of the key recommendations related to school safety measures are:

• - Establishing a single point of entry for visitors to school campuses and directing them to appropriate entry points with clear signs.
• - Installing door alert or notification systems, electronic access systems, video intercoms, locks and buzzers at entrances and exits.
• - Requiring visitors to show identification, state their purpose, wear a badge and have a staff escort when inside the school.
• - Implementing a statewide behavioral threat assessment instrument and process for identifying, reporting and managing students who exhibit concerning or threatening behavior.
• - Providing adequate mental health professionals and services for students in need and ensuring timely referrals and follow-ups.
• - Adopting policies that allow qualified school staff to carry firearms on campus as part of the Guardian Program or hiring more school resource officers or security personnel.
• - Developing comprehensive emergency operation plans that include roles and responsibilities, procedures, training, exercises and evaluation.
• - Improving radio communication systems among school staff and law enforcement agencies.

¹: https://www2.ed.gov/documents/school-safety/school-safety-report.pdf

²: http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/MSDHS/CommissionReport.pdf

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(3) Then-Parkland school resource officer who stayed outside during mass shooting found not guilty. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/then-parkland-school-resource-officer-who-stayed-outside-during-mass-shooting-found-not-guilty/ar-AA1dcFzz.

(4) Parkland shooting sheriff's deputy Scot Peterson found not guilty on all counts. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/scot-peterson-verdict-parkland-shooting-sheriff-deputy/.

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Effectiveness of school safety measures in preventing shootings

There is no definitive answer to how effective school safety measures are in preventing shootings, as different measures may have different impacts depending on the context, implementation and evaluation. However, some studies and surveys have attempted to assess the perceived or actual effectiveness of some common school safety measures based on empirical evidence or expert opinions.

Perceived effectiveness

A 2018 survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research asked a nationally representative sample of 1,122 adults about their views on various school safety policies and their effectiveness in reducing firearm violence. The survey found that:

• - The school policies perceived to be most effective in reducing firearm violence were installing an alert system in schools (70 percent), working with law enforcement to design an emergency response plan (70 percent), creating a comprehensive security plan (68 percent), requiring criminal background checks for all school personnel prior to hiring (67 percent), and implementing an anonymous system for students to report peer concerns regarding potential violence (67 percent).
• - The school policies perceived to be least effective in reducing firearm violence were arming teachers and other school staff (36 percent), allowing teachers and other school staff to carry their own guns (34 percent), and installing metal detectors at school entrances (33 percent).
• - The survey also found that 69 percent of adults supported stricter gun laws in general, and 76 percent supported banning assault-style weapons. ¹

Actual effectiveness

A 2018 essay by Cheryl Lero Jonson, a criminal justice professor at Xavier University, reviewed the empirical literature on the effectiveness of various school safety measures, such as access control, threat assessment, mental health services, emergency operation plans, active shooter training and armed security. The essay found that:

• - Access control measures, such as locks, buzzers, cameras and metal detectors, may have some deterrent effect on potential shooters, but they also have limitations and drawbacks, such as false alarms, maintenance costs, privacy concerns and negative impacts on school climate.
• - Threat assessment is a promising strategy that involves identifying, assessing and managing students who pose a risk of violence to themselves or others. However, it requires adequate training, resources and collaboration among school staff, law enforcement and mental health professionals.
• - Mental health services are essential for preventing and responding to school shootings, as many shooters suffer from mental health problems or trauma. However, many schools lack sufficient mental health professionals and services to meet the needs of their students.
• - Emergency operation plans are critical for mitigating the effects of a shooting and ensuring a coordinated response among school staff, law enforcement and first responders. However, many schools do not have comprehensive or updated plans or do not conduct regular drills or exercises to test them.
• - Active shooter training, such as lockdown drills or "run, hide, fight" protocols, may help prepare school staff and students for a shooting situation and reduce casualties. However, there is little evidence on the effectiveness of these trainings and some concerns about their potential psychological harms or unintended consequences.
• - Armed security personnel, such as school resource officers or armed teachers, may provide some protection or deterrence against shooters, but they also pose significant risks and challenges, such as accidental shootings, misuse of force, legal liability and negative effects on school climate. ²¹: https://apnorc.org/projects/school-safety-and-shootings/
• ²: https://www.schoolsafety.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/Preventing%20School%20Shootings.pdf

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(5) Can Security Measures Really Stop School Shootings?. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-security-measures-really-stop-school-shootings/.

Criticisms of school safety measures

School safety measures are not without controversy or criticism, as some of them may have unintended or undesirable consequences for students, staff and school climate. Some of the common criticisms of school safety measures are:

• - They may create a false sense of security or complacency, as they cannot guarantee the prevention or elimination of school shootings or other forms of violence.
• - They may be costly, ineffective, impractical or inappropriate for certain schools or contexts, as they may not address the root causes or risk factors of school violence or meet the diverse needs of students and communities.
• - They may have negative impacts on the academic, social and emotional well-being of students and staff, as they may create a climate of fear, distrust, anxiety or alienation, or interfere with learning and teaching activities.
• - They may infringe on the rights, privacy or dignity of students and staff, as they may involve surveillance, searches, profiling, discrimination or criminalization of certain groups or behaviors.

Examples of criticisms

Some examples of criticisms of specific school safety measures are:

• - Metal detectors: Critics argue that metal detectors are expensive, inefficient, unreliable and intrusive. They may create long lines, delays and bottlenecks at school entrances, disrupt the flow of instruction and increase tardiness and absenteeism. They may also fail to detect some weapons or contraband, or be easily circumvented by determined offenders. Moreover, they may create a hostile or prison-like atmosphere in schools, erode trust and respect between students and staff, and disproportionately target students of color or low-income backgrounds. ¹²
• - Armed security: Critics argue that armed security personnel, such as school resource officers or armed teachers, are risky, unnecessary and harmful. They may increase the likelihood of accidental shootings, misuse of force, escalation of conflicts or injuries. They may also divert resources from more effective prevention and intervention programs, such as mental health services or restorative justice practices. Furthermore, they may contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline, as they may criminalize minor or nonviolent infractions, disproportionately arrest or discipline students of color or with disabilities, or violate their civil rights. ³ 
• - Active shooter training: Critics argue that active shooter training, such as lockdown drills or "run, hide, fight" protocols, are traumatizing, ineffective and counterproductive. They may induce fear, stress, anxiety or panic among students and staff, especially if they are conducted without warning, consent or debriefing. They may also fail to prepare them for the unpredictability and complexity of a real shooting situation, or even provide useful information to potential shooters. Additionally, they may undermine the sense of safety and belonging in schools, as they may normalize violence and distrust.  

¹: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-security-measures-really-stop-school-shootings/

²: https://www.npr.org/2018/03/01/590076949/efficacy-of-school-metal-detectors-questioned

³: https://www.aclu.org/issues/juvenile-justice/school-prison-pipeline/bullies-blue

: https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/educators-oppose-arming-teachers

: https://www.npr.org/2019/11/10/777711503/experts-worry-active-shooter-drills-in-schools-could-be-traumatic-for-students

: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2018/02/the-case-against-active-shooter-drills-in-schools/554146/

Bing, 7/5/2023

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According to the Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit organization that tracks gun-related incidents in the U.S., there have been at least 17 school shootings that resulted in deaths since the Stoneman Douglas massacre on February 14, 2018. These are:

• - March 7, 2018: Huffman High School, Birmingham, Alabama. One student killed by another student.
• - March 20, 2018: Great Mills High School, Great Mills, Maryland. One student killed and another injured by a student shooter, who also died.
• - May 18, 2018: Santa Fe High School, Santa Fe, Texas. Ten people (eight students and two teachers) killed and 13 others injured by a student shooter.
• - May 25, 2018: Noblesville West Middle School, Noblesville, Indiana. One teacher and one student injured by a student shooter.
• - August 20, 2018: Overland High School, Aurora, Colorado. One student killed in a parking lot shooting.
• - September 11, 2018: Canyon Springs High School, North Las Vegas, Nevada. One student killed in a shooting near the school.
• - November 14, 2018: David W. Butler High School, Matthews, North Carolina. One student killed by another student after a fight.
• - December 13, 2018: Dennis Intermediate School, Richmond, Indiana. A teenage suspect died after exchanging gunfire with police at the school.
• - January 31, 2019: Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School, Memphis, Tennessee. One student killed in an off-campus shooting after a fight at the school.
• - May 7, 2019: STEM School Highlands Ranch, Highlands Ranch, Colorado. One student killed and eight others injured by two student shooters.
• - May 24, 2019: Muncie Central High School, Muncie, Indiana. One student killed in an off-campus shooting after an argument at the school.
• - November 14, 2019: Saugus High School, Santa Clarita, California. Three students (including the shooter) killed and three others injured by a student shooter.
• - February 3, 2020: Texas A&M University-Commerce Residence Hall, Commerce, Texas. Two women (a student and her sister) and a toddler killed by the student's ex-boyfriend.
• - February 4, 2020: Ombudsman Chicago Charter School West Campus Alternative Learning Opportunity Program (ALOP), Chicago Heights Illinois. One student killed by another student after an argument at the school.
• - November 30, 2021: Oxford High School, Oxford Township Michigan. Four students killed and seven others injured (including a teacher) by a student shooter.
• - December 6th ,2021: Robb Elementary School Uvalde Texas .19 children and two teachers were gunned down
• - January 10th ,2022: Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan .Three students dead and five critically wounded

Bing, 7/5/2023

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(2) Parkland school shooting: 5 years later, here's what has changed (and .... https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/14/us/parkland-school-shooting-5-year-anniversary/index.html.

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There is no universally agreed-upon definition of a mass shooting, but one common criterion is that it involves four or more people being shot, not including the shooter. According to this definition, there have been hundreds of mass shootings in the U.S. since the Stoneman Douglas massacre on February 14, 2018. Some of the most notable ones are:

• - October 27, 2018: Tree of Life synagogue shooting, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Eleven people killed and six others injured by a gunman who opened fire during a Shabbat service.
• - November 7, 2018: Borderline Bar and Grill shooting, Thousand Oaks, California. Twelve people (including a sheriff's deputy) killed and 10 others injured by a gunman who attacked a country music night at a bar.
• - May 31, 2019: Virginia Beach municipal building shooting, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Twelve people killed and four others injured by a gunman who was a disgruntled city employee.
• - August 3, 2019: Walmart shooting, El Paso, Texas. Twenty-three people killed and 23 others injured by a gunman who targeted Hispanic shoppers at a Walmart store.
• - August 4, 2019: Oregon District shooting, Dayton, Ohio. Nine people killed and 17 others injured by a gunman who opened fire in a popular nightlife area.
• - December 6, 2019: Naval Air Station Pensacola shooting, Pensacola, Florida. Three people killed and eight others injured by a gunman who was a Saudi military trainee.
• - May 26, 2020: Molson Coors brewery shooting, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Five people killed and one injured by a gunman who was an employee of the brewery.
• - March 16, 2021: Atlanta spa shootings, Atlanta, Georgia. Eight people (six of them Asian women) killed and one injured by a gunman who attacked three spas in the metropolitan area.
• - March 22, 2021: King Soopers supermarket shooting, Boulder, Colorado. Ten people killed (including a police officer) and one injured by a gunman who opened fire at a grocery store.
• - April 15, 2021: FedEx Ground facility shooting, Indianapolis, Indiana. Nine people (including the shooter) killed and seven others injured by a gunman who was a former employee of the facility.
• - May 26th ,2021: Robb Elementary School Uvalde Texas .19 children and two teachers were gunned down
• - June 12th ,2021: Pulse Nightclub Orlando Florida .49 people were killed and 53 wounded in a hate crime against the LGBTQ community
• - July 22nd ,2021: Century Movie Theater Aurora Colorado .12 people were killed and 70 injured by a gunman who opened fire during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises
• - August 3rd ,2021: Garlic Festival Gilroy California .Four people (including the shooter) were killed and 17 wounded by a gunman who attacked the annual festival
• - September 1st ,2021: Odessa-Midland Shooting Odessa and Midland Texas .Eight people (including the shooter) were killed and 25 injured by a gunman who went on a shooting spree after being fired from his job
• - October 4th ,2021: Las Vegas Strip Shooting Las Vegas Nevada .One person was killed and four wounded by a gunman who fired from his hotel room at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
• - November 30th ,2021: Oxford High School Oxford Township Michigan .Four students were killed and seven others injured (including a teacher) by a student shooter
• - December 6th ,2021: Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan .Three students were dead and five critically wounded

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Commonalities among mass shootings

Mass shootings are complex and multifaceted phenomena that defy simple explanations or solutions. However, some researchers have attempted to identify some common patterns or factors that may contribute to or characterize mass shootings, based on empirical data or expert opinions. Some of the commonalities among mass shootings are:

Demographic characteristics

According to a database of public mass shootings in the U.S. from 1966 to 2020, compiled by the Violence Project, a research center funded by the National Institute of Justice, most mass shooters were male (97.8%), young (average age of 34), and acted alone (87.9%). ¹

The database also found that mass shooters were racially diverse, reflecting the general population. Those shooting were 52.3% White, 20.9% Black, 8.1% Latino, 6.4% Asian, 4.2% Middle Eastern, and 1.8% Native American. ¹

Psychological and social factors

According to the same database, most mass shooters had experienced some form of childhood trauma (69%) or exposure to violence at an early age (62%). They also had reached an identifiable crisis point (78%) in the weeks or months leading up to the shooting, such as losing a job, getting divorced, or facing eviction. ¹

Additionally, most mass shooters had a history of mental health problems (61%), suicidal thoughts or behaviors (68%), or substance abuse (37%). However, only 16% had been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. ¹

Furthermore, most mass shooters had studied other mass shooters (80%) or expressed admiration or identification with them. They also had access to firearms (77%), either legally or illegally obtained, and often used high-capacity magazines or assault-style weapons. ¹

Motivational factors

According to a study by the FBI of active shooter incidents in the U.S. from 2000 to 2013, most shooters had multiple motives for their attacks, which were often complex and overlapping. The study identified four main categories of motives: grievances (45%), ideology (14%), mental health issues (10%), and unknown (31%). ²

The study also found that most shooters selected their targets based on their connection to a grievance (63%), their symbolic value (21%), their vulnerability (9%), or their randomness (7%). The most common types of grievances were related to work (21%), family/domestic (14%), school/academic (10%), or personal/other (28%). ²¹: https://www.theviolenceproject.org/mass-shooter-database/

²: https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/active-shooter-study-2000-2013-1.pdf/view

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Weapons used in mass shootings by type

Mass shootings can involve various types of firearms, depending on the availability, preference and motive of the shooter. However, some types of weapons are more commonly used than others, especially handguns and semi-automatic rifles. Here are some statistics and examples of weapons used in mass shootings by type:

Handguns

Handguns are the most common weapon type used in mass shootings in the U.S., with a total of 161 different handguns being used in 111 incidents between 1982 and April 2023, according to the Violence Project, a research center funded by the National Institute of Justice. ¹

Handguns include pistols, revolvers, derringers and other unspecified semi-automatic handguns. They are appealing to mass shooters because they are easy to conceal, access and use, and can hold multiple rounds of ammunition. ²

Some examples of mass shootings involving handguns are:

• - The 2019 Virginia Beach municipal building shooting, where the shooter used two .45-caliber pistols with extended magazines and a silencer, killing 12 people and injuring four others. ³
• - The 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, where the shooter used a .38-caliber revolver and a 9mm Glock pistol, killing 17 people and injuring 17 others. ⁴
• - The 2017 Las Vegas Strip shooting, where the shooter used several handguns in addition to rifles, killing 58 people and injuring 546 others. 
• - The 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, where the shooter used a 9mm Sig Sauer pistol and a .223-caliber rifle, killing 49 people and injuring 53 others. 
• - The 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, where the shooter used a Glock pistol and a Sig Sauer pistol to kill himself and his mother, and a .223-caliber rifle to kill 26 people (including 20 children) at the school. 

Rifles

Rifles are the second most common weapon type used in mass shootings in the U.S., with a total of 65 different rifles being used in 59 incidents between 1982 and April 2023, according to the Violence Project. ¹

Rifles include non-automatic, semi-automatic and illegally modified rifles. They are appealing to mass shooters because they have high accuracy, range and firepower, and can accommodate high-capacity magazines or assault-style features. ²

Some examples of mass shootings involving rifles are:

• - The 2021 Boulder supermarket shooting, where the shooter used an AR-15 style pistol with a stabilizing brace, killing 10 people (including a police officer) and injuring one other. 
• - The 2019 El Paso Walmart shooting, where the shooter used an AK-47 style rifle with a high-capacity magazine, killing 23 people and injuring 23 others. 
• - The 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, where the shooter used an AR-15 style rifle and three Glock pistols, killing 11 people and injuring six others (including four police officers). 
• - The 2017 Sutherland Springs church shooting, where the shooter used an AR-15 style rifle with a high-capacity magazine and a ballistic vest, killing 26 people (including an unborn child) and injuring 20 others. 
• - The 2015 San Bernardino shooting, where the shooters used two AR-15 style rifles and two pistols, killing 14 people and injuring 22 others. 

¹: https://www.theviolenceproject.org/mass-shooter-database/

²: https://abcnews.go.com/US/type-gun-us-homicides-ar-15/story?id=78689504

³: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/06/01/us/virginia-beach-shooting.html

⁴: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/02/15/us/florida-school-shooting-map.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/10/04/us/vegas-shooting-weapons.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/06/12/us/orlando-shooting-gunfire-maps.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/12/17/us/sandy-hook-timeline.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/article/boulder-colorado-shooting.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/article/el-paso-shooting.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/article/pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/06/us/texas-shooting-church.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/04/us/san-bernardino-shooting.html

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) Guns used in mass shootings U.S. 2023 | Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/476409/mass-shootings-in-the-us-by-weapon-types-used/.

(2) The type of gun used in most US homicides is not an AR-15. https://abcnews.go.com/US/type-gun-us-homicides-ar-15/story?id=78689504.

(3) Most mass shooters get their semi-automatic rifles, handguns legally. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/07/12/mass-shootings-weapons-legal-what-to-know/7814081001/.

(4) AR-15 style weapons were used in 10 major shootings. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2021/mar/24/viral-image/ar-15-style-weapons-were-used-10-major-shootings/.

Efforts to regulate guns at the federal level

Gun regulation is a contentious and polarizing issue in the U.S., with strong opinions and interests on both sides of the debate. The federal government has the authority to enact laws and regulations related to firearms, but it also has to respect the constitutional right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment. The main federal law governing firearms is the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), which regulates the manufacture, sale, transfer and possession of firearms and ammunition. The GCA also establishes the categories of persons who are prohibited from possessing firearms, such as felons, fugitives, domestic abusers, drug addicts and mentally ill persons. ¹

In addition to the GCA, there are other federal laws and regulations that address specific aspects of firearms, such as the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA), which imposes taxes and registration requirements on certain types of weapons, such as machine guns, silencers and short-barreled rifles; the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 (Brady Act), which requires background checks for firearm transfers by licensed dealers; and the Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994 (AWB), which prohibited the manufacture, transfer and possession of certain semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity magazines for 10 years until it expired in 2004. ²

Despite these existing laws and regulations, there are still many gaps and loopholes in the federal system that allow some people to obtain firearms without background checks, such as through private sales, gun shows or online platforms; some types of weapons or accessories to evade regulation or detection, such as ghost guns, bump stocks or stabilizing braces; and some forms of gun violence to go unaddressed or underreported, such as mass shootings, suicides or domestic violence. ³

To address these issues, there have been various efforts to introduce or pass new legislation or executive actions at the federal level to strengthen or expand gun regulation. Some of the recent or ongoing efforts are:

• - In June 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which is the first major gun safety legislation passed in decades. The law provides $5 billion over eight years for community violence intervention programs that aim to prevent gun violence in high-risk areas; $100 million for school safety grants that can be used for mental health services, threat assessment teams or other measures; $50 million for state crisis intervention programs that can help individuals who are experiencing mental health crises or suicidal thoughts; and $25 million for research on firearm injury and mortality prevention. The law also authorizes the Attorney General to issue regulations on ghost guns and stabilizing braces; requires background checks for all firearm transfers, with some exceptions; and establishes a national extreme risk protection order system that allows courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. ⁴
• - In July 2022, the Justice Department issued a final rule to rein in the proliferation of ghost guns, which are unserialized, privately made firearms that are increasingly being recovered at crime scenes. The rule clarifies that when a device marketed as a firearm kit contains the parts necessary for a functioning firearm within the meaning of the GCA, it is a firearm subject to regulation under federal law. The rule also requires manufacturers or sellers of these devices to include a serial number and mark them as firearms. 
• - In August 2022, the Justice Department issued a proposed rule to better regulate when devices marketed as firearm stabilizing braces effectively turn pistols into short-barreled rifles subject to the NFA. The rule provides criteria for determining whether a stabilizing brace substantially alters the characteristics of a firearm such that it should be considered a short-barreled rifle; requires manufacturers or sellers of these devices to provide notice to potential buyers about their legal obligations; and offers a grace period for current owners of these devices to comply with registration requirements under the NFA or dispose of them lawfully. 
• - In September 2022, the Justice Department published model extreme risk protection order legislation to make it easier for states that want to adopt these red flag laws to do so. Extreme risk protection orders are court orders that temporarily prohibit individuals who pose a risk of harm to themselves or others from accessing firearms. The model legislation provides guidance on key features of these laws, such as who can petition for an order, what evidence is required, what procedures are followed, what remedies are available, and how due process is ensured. 

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) FACT SHEET: The Biden Administration’s 21 Executive Actions to Reduce Gun. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/07/11/fact-sheet-the-biden-administrations-21-executive-actions-to-reduce-gun-violence/.

(2) These are the gun control laws passed in 2022 | CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/30/us/gun-control-laws-2022/index.html.

(3) U.S. Gun Policy: Framework and Major Issues - CRS Reports. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11038.

(4) USDOJ: United States Department of Justice Archive - Appendix C. https://www.justice.gov/archive/opd/AppendixC.htm.

RFK JR DECLARES TODAY TO BE TRULY FREE YOU MUST TAKE THE VACCINE TO AVOID CATCHING THE GAY

(SATIRE)

RFK JR DECLARES TODAY TO BE TRULY FREE

YOU MUST TAKE THE VACCINE TO AVOID CATCHING THE GAY

As the US celebrates its Independence Day, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has come up with a unique way to commemorate the occasion. In a recent press conference, the noted environmentalist and anti-vaccine activist announced that to truly be free, all white Christians should take a shot to avoid catching the gay.

Yes, you read that right. The man who has spent years railing against vaccines is now promoting one to prevent homosexuality. It's a bizarre twist that has left many scratching their heads and wondering what on earth RFK Jr. is thinking.

According to Kennedy, the vaccine works by altering the DNA of those who take it, making them immune to the "gay gene." He claims that homosexuality is a disease that can be cured, and that this vaccine is the key to doing so.

Of course, the idea that being gay is a disease is not only offensive but also completely untrue. Sexual orientation is not something that can be changed or cured, and attempting to do so can have serious psychological consequences.

But RFK Jr. isn't one to let science get in the way of a good conspiracy theory. He's long been a vocal opponent of vaccines, despite overwhelming evidence that they are safe and effective. In fact, his anti-vaccine crusade has been blamed for outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough.

So why is he suddenly promoting a vaccine? It's hard to say for sure, but some speculate that it's an attempt to appeal to conservative Christians who are wary of vaccines but might be more willing to take one if it's framed as a way to avoid homosexuality.

Whatever his motivations, it's safe to say that RFK Jr.'s latest idea is not only offensive but also completely ridiculous. It's a reminder that even those with good intentions can sometimes get lost in their own conspiracy theories.

As we celebrate our freedom today, let's remember that true freedom means being able to live our lives without fear of discrimination or persecution. Let's reject harmful and baseless ideas like RFK Jr.'s and work towards a world where everyone can be free to be themselves.

THE DEFT DIVE

There is no definitive answer to how a person becomes gay, but research suggests that it is **not a choice** and that it is influenced by a combination of **biological, psychological, and environmental factors**¹²³⁴.

Some of the possible factors that may contribute to a person's sexual orientation are:

• - **Genetics**: Some studies have found evidence of genetic links to homosexuality, such as differences in certain genes or regions of the chromosomes between gay and straight people²³.
• - **Prenatal influences**: Some researchers have proposed that hormonal or immunological factors during pregnancy may affect the development of the brain and sexual orientation of the fetus²⁴.
• - **Family environment**: Some people may experience childhood trauma, gender role conformity or deviation, or parental influences that may shape their sexual orientation¹³⁴.
• - **Individual experiences**: Some people may discover their sexual attraction to the same or opposite sex through personal exploration, experimentation, or social interactions¹³.

Sexual orientation is a complex and fluid aspect of human identity, and it can change over time for some people. It is important to respect and support people of all sexual orientations and to avoid making assumptions or judgments based on stereotypes. 🏳️‍🌈

If you want to learn more about sexual orientation, you can check out these resources:

• - [What causes sexual orientation? - Planned Parenthood](https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation/sexual-orientation/what-causes-sexual-orientation)
• - [What Are the Causes of Homosexuality? - The Atlantic](https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/04/gay-brothers/480117/)
• - [Why Are People Gay? Gay By Choice or Is Being Gay Genetic?](https://www.healthyplace.com/gender/gay/why-are-people-gay-gay-by-choice-or-is-being-gay-genetic)
• - [How Do People Become Gay? - GLOW](http://www.glow.cc/isa/become_gay.htm)

THE TEXAS READER ACT: TEXTBOOKS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER ABOUT BEING WHITE

 

THE TEXAS READER ACT

TEXTBOOKS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER ABOUT BEING WHITE

In a move that has left many scratching their heads, Texas has passed a new law regulating the sexual content in books sold to or included in public school libraries. The READER Act, as it's called, requires vendors to label books that describe or portray sexual conduct as either "sexually explicit" or "sexually relevant." And let me tell you, folks, the reactions have been hilarious.

First off, let's talk about those labels. "Sexually explicit" is defined as any communication, language, or material that describes, depicts, or portrays sexual conduct in a way that is patently offensive. But what about "sexually relevant"? That's defined as any communication, language, or material that describes or portrays sexual conduct, excluding library material directly related to the required curriculum. So basically, if it's not directly related to math or science, it's fair game.

Now, some folks are saying that this law is a form of censorship that violates the free speech, free education, and freedom of thought of students and teachers. But come on, guys, lighten up! We all know that nothing is funnier than a good old-fashioned book burning.

But in all seriousness, there are some valid concerns about this law. For one thing, it's pretty vague and subjective in defining what constitutes sexually explicit or sexually relevant material. This leaves book vendors with the burden of rating books without clear guidelines. And let's be real here, folks: do we really want our book ratings to be left up to a bunch of bureaucrats?

Another concern is that the law could lead to the banning or removal of books that have educational, historical, or literary value. This is especially true for books that feature diverse perspectives or experiences of LGBTQ+ people or people of color. And let's face it: if there's one thing Texans love more than guns and barbecue, it's banning books.

But perhaps the biggest concern is that this law undermines the professional judgment of librarians and educators who are trained to select appropriate and quality materials for their students. I mean, who needs professionals when you've got politicians?

Of course, book vendors aren't too thrilled about this law either. They don't have the time, money, or expertise to read and rate thousands of books based on sexual content. And they fear losing their business with Texas public schools if they fail to comply with the law or the standards set by the state. But hey, at least they'll have more time to focus on their true passion: selling guns.

Teachers aren't too happy about this law either. They worry about the impact of the law on their students' academic, social, and emotional development. They value the diversity and quality of books that they can use to teach various subjects, skills, and perspectives to their students. And they oppose the interference of the state in their professional autonomy and expertise to select appropriate and relevant materials for their students. But hey, who needs expertise when you've got politicians?

Now, some other states have similar laws that ban or restrict sexually explicit books in schools. But let's face it: Texas does everything bigger and better. We don't just ban books; we make a whole law about it.

And speaking of controversial laws in Texas, let's not forget about the Texas textbooks controversy. This ongoing dispute over the content and interpretation of history and social studies textbooks used in Texas public schools has been a source of endless amusement for years. Some of the issues that have sparked controversy include the representation of slavery, racism, and civil rights in American history; the role of religion in the founding and development of the United States; and the balance between conservative and liberal perspectives on economic, political, and social issues.

The controversy stems from the fact that Texas is one of the largest and most influential states in terms of textbook adoption and purchasing. The Texas State Board of Education has the authority to approve or reject textbooks for use in Texas public schools. And because of the size and market power of Texas, textbook publishers often cater to the board's preferences and produce textbooks that reflect its ideological views.

But hey, who needs accuracy and academic rigor when you've got politics? Let's just teach our kids that George Washington chopped down a cherry tree with his AK-47.

In conclusion, folks, let's all take a moment to appreciate the absurdity of this new law in Texas. And let's hope that someday soon, our politicians will realize that maybe they should leave education to the professionals. Or at the very least, leave book ratings to someone who knows what they're doing. Like a drunk monkey with a dartboard.

THE DEFT DIVE

The READER Act is a law that was passed in Texas in 2023 that regulates the sexual content in books sold to or included in public school libraries. According to the law, vendors must label books that describe or portray sexual conduct as either **sexually explicit** or **sexually relevant**¹⁴⁵. Sexually explicit material is defined as any communication, language, or material that describes, depicts, or portrays sexual conduct in a way that is patently offensive²³. Sexually relevant material is any communication, language, or material that describes or portrays sexual conduct, excluding library material directly related to the required curriculum²³. The law also prohibits schools from allowing students to access sexually explicit material and requires parental consent for accessing sexually relevant material²³. The law aims to protect students from harmful or obscene content and to recognize the role of parents as the primary decision-makers regarding their children's access to library material²³⁶.

Bing, 7/4/2023

(1) A new Texas law forces vendors to rate sexual content in ... - CNN. https://bing.com/search?q=READER+Act+Texas.

(2) A new Texas law forces vendors to rate sexual content in ... - CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/04/business/texas-sexually-explicit-books-law/index.html.

(3) A new Texas law forces vendors to rate sexual content in schoolbooks .... https://www.channel3000.com/news/money/a-new-texas-law-forces-vendors-to-rate-sexual-content-in-schoolbooks-they-re-not/article_d24a98d8-9abc-5230-b9ac-c8bb74986e24.html.

(4) By:AAPatterson H.B.ANo - Texas. https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/HB01655I.PDF.

(5) H.B.ANo - Texas. https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/HB00900F.pdf.

(6) TPPF Applauds the Passage of the READER Act - Texas Public Policy .... https://www.texaspolicy.com/press/tppf-applauds-the-passage-of-the-reader-act.

Bing, 7/4/2023

(1) Censorship Reigns in Texas: Controversial Bill Passes To Remove ‘Racy .... https://www.reformaustin.org/texas-legislature/censorship-reigns-in-texas-controversial-bill-passes-to-remove-racy-books-from-schools/.

(2) Texas Senate passes bill banning sexually explicit material in school .... https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article_baa7ea86-fb41-11ed-b658-238c28c0d113.html.

(3) ‘There should be no sexually explicit books’: Texas lawmakers debate .... https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2023/03/22/there-should-be-no-sexually-explicit-books-texas-lawmakers-debate-school-library-rules/.

The response of book vendors to this law is mostly negative. Some of their concerns are:

• - They do not have the time, money, or expertise to read and rate thousands of books based on sexual content¹²³.
• - They fear losing their business with Texas public schools if they fail to comply with the law or the standards set by the state¹²⁴.
• - They oppose censorship and support the freedom of expression and choice for authors, educators, and students¹²³.
• - They question the authority and criteria of the Texas Education Agency to create a "do not buy" list from vendors who do not meet their expectations³⁴.

Bing, 7/4/2023

(1) A new Texas law forces vendors to rate sexual content in schoolbooks .... https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/04/business/texas-sexually-explicit-books-law/.

(2) ‘There should be no sexually explicit books’: Texas lawmakers debate .... https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2023/03/22/there-should-be-no-sexually-explicit-books-texas-lawmakers-debate-school-library-rules/.

(3) Texas Officially Bans So-Called "Sexually Explicit" Books; Demands Book .... https://bookriot.com/texas-readers-act/.

(4) Texas Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Sexually Explicit Material .... https://thetexan.news/texas-lawmaker-introduces-bill-to-prohibit-sexually-explicit-material-from-public-school-libraries/.

The response of teachers to this law is also mostly negative. Some of their concerns are:

• - They worry about the impact of the law on their students' academic, social, and emotional development, especially those who are LGBTQ+ or belong to marginalized groups¹.
• - They value the diversity and quality of books that they can use to teach various subjects, skills, and perspectives to their students¹².
• - They oppose the interference of the state in their professional autonomy and expertise to select appropriate and relevant materials for their students¹².
• - They question the validity and reliability of the ratings assigned by book vendors, who may not have the same educational background or criteria as teachers¹².

Bing, 7/4/2023

(1) Censorship Reigns in Texas: Controversial Bill Passes To Remove ‘Racy .... https://www.reformaustin.org/texas-legislature/censorship-reigns-in-texas-controversial-bill-passes-to-remove-racy-books-from-schools/.

(2) HB 3 Reading Academies | Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/academics/early-childhood-education/reading/hb-3-reading-academies.

(3) Response to Intervention | Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/programs-and-services/response-to-intervention.

(4) TPPF Applauds the Passage of the READER Act - Texas Public Policy .... https://www.texaspolicy.com/press/tppf-applauds-the-passage-of-the-reader-act.

This law affects students and parents in Texas in different ways. Some of the possible effects are:

• - Students may have less access to books that reflect their identities, experiences, or interests, especially if they are LGBTQ+ or belong to marginalized groups¹.
• - Students may have less exposure to diverse perspectives, cultures, or histories that can enrich their learning and critical thinking¹.
• - Students may have less choice and autonomy in selecting books that suit their reading levels, preferences, or needs¹².
• - Parents may have more involvement and responsibility in deciding what books their children can access in school libraries²³.
• - Parents may have more awareness and information about the sexual content of books that their children may encounter in school²³.

Bing, 7/4/2023

(1) Censorship Reigns in Texas: Controversial Bill Passes To Remove ‘Racy .... https://www.reformaustin.org/texas-legislature/censorship-reigns-in-texas-controversial-bill-passes-to-remove-racy-books-from-schools/.

(2) Every Student Succeeds Act | Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/laws-and-rules/essa/every-student-succeeds-act.

(3) TPPF Applauds the Passage of the READER Act - Texas Public Policy .... https://www.texaspolicy.com/press/tppf-applauds-the-passage-of-the-reader-act.

Yes, there are other states with similar laws that ban or restrict sexually explicit books in schools. Some of them are:

• - **Florida**, which passed two bills that give more space for parental input and feedback on books and materials used in schools, and that curtail discussion of gender or sexual identity in public schools¹.
• - **Missouri**, which passed a law that makes it a crime to give students books that contain sexually explicit material, defined as any communication, language, or material that describes, depicts, or portrays sexual conduct in a way that is patently offensive².
• - **Oklahoma**, which passed a law that requires school districts to adopt policies for parental review of instructional materials, and that prohibits the use of materials that contain obscene language or sexual content³.
• - **South Carolina**, which passed a law that requires school districts to adopt policies for parental review of instructional materials, and that prohibits the use of materials that contain profanity or sexual content³.
• - **Utah**, which passed a law that requires school districts to adopt policies for parental review of instructional materials, and that prohibits the use of materials that contain profanity, sexual content, or violence³.

Bing, 7/4/2023

(1) Missouri schools are taking books off shelves due to 'sexually explicit .... https://www.npr.org/2022/08/26/1119724459/missouri-schools-are-taking-books-off-shelves-due-to-sexually-explicit-content-b.

(2) States That Have Enacted Book Ban Laws: Book Censorship ... - BOOK RIOT. https://bookriot.com/states-that-have-enacted-book-ban-laws-2022/.

(3) School districts struggle to implement new laws on sexually explicit books. https://stateline.org/2023/06/14/school-districts-struggle-to-implement-new-laws-on-sexually-explicit-books/.

(4) School Districts Struggle to Implement New Laws on Sexually Explicit Books. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/school-districts-struggle-to-implement-new-laws-on-sexually-explicit-books/2023/06.

(5) School districts struggle to implement new laws on sexually explicit books. https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/06/15/school-districts-struggle-to-implement-new-laws-on-sexually-explicit-books/.

The Texas textbooks controversy is a long-standing and ongoing dispute over the content and interpretation of history and social studies textbooks used in Texas public schools. Some of the issues that have sparked controversy are:

• - The representation of slavery, racism, and civil rights in American history¹².
• - The role of religion, especially Christianity, in the founding and development of the United States³ .
• - The balance between conservative and liberal perspectives on economic, political, and social issues³ .
• - The inclusion or exclusion of diverse voices and experiences, especially those of LGBTQ+ people and people of color² .

The controversy stems from the fact that Texas is one of the largest and most influential states in terms of textbook adoption and purchasing. The Texas State Board of Education, which consists of 15 elected members, has the authority to approve or reject textbooks for use in Texas public schools. The board also sets the curriculum standards that guide textbook content. Because of the size and market power of Texas, textbook publishers often cater to the board's preferences and produce textbooks that reflect its ideological views. These textbooks may then be sold to other states or districts that have similar or less stringent standards³ .

The controversy has attracted national attention and criticism from various groups, including historians, educators, parents, students, civil rights activists, and media outlets. They argue that the board's decisions are based on political agendas rather than academic rigor or accuracy. They also warn that the board's influence could undermine the quality and diversity of education for students across the country²³ .

Bing, 7/4/2023

(1) Company Apologizes for Texas Textbook Calling Slaves ... - Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/company-behind-texas-textbook-calling-slaves-workers-apologizes-we-made-380168.

(2) The Texas Textbook Controversy. It's Part of a Long, Awful, Tradition .... https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/159519.

(3) 'Revisionaries' Tells Story Of Texas Textbook Battle : NPR. https://www.npr.org/2012/06/20/155440679/revisionaries-tells-story-of-texas-textbook-battle.

Some examples of the Texas textbooks controversy are:

• - In 2015, a high school edition of McGraw-Hill's World Geography textbook referred to African slaves who were forcibly brought to the Americas as "workers". The company later apologized and revised the caption after public outcry¹.
• - In 2020, a New York Times analysis of eight commonly used American history textbooks in California and Texas found hundreds of differences in how they presented topics such as slavery, civil rights, religion, immigration, and gender and sexuality. The analysis showed how textbooks were customized to satisfy the ideological preferences of the Texas State Board of Education².
• - In 2021, conservative parents filed dozens of formal requests to remove books from school libraries that dealt with race, racism, sex, gender, and sexuality. Some of the targeted books included "Drama" by Raina Telgemeier, "Lawn Boy" by Jonathan Evison, and "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You" by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds³.

Bing, 7/4/2023

(1) Two States. Eight Textbooks. Two American Stories.. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/01/12/us/texas-vs-california-history-textbooks.html.

(2) Here are 50 books Texas parents want banned from school libraries. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/texas-library-books-banned-schools-rcna12986.

(3) Texas Textbooks: What Happened, What It Means, and What We Can Do About .... https://www.rightwingwatch.org/report/texas-textbooks-what-happened-what-it-means-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/.

There is no definitive answer to what social studies textbooks are used in Christian national private schools and charter schools, as different schools may have different curricula and preferences. However, some of the most popular textbook sources used by Christian schools throughout the US are:

• - **Christian Light**, which publishes social studies textbooks for grades 1 to 12 that focus on God's sovereignty and providence in history and geography. The textbooks cover topics such as communities, world regions, American history, government, economics, and current issues from a biblical perspective¹.
• - **Abeka**, which publishes social studies textbooks for grades K to 12 that emphasize patriotism, Christianity, and free enterprise. The textbooks cover topics such as American history, world history, geography, civics, and economics from a conservative viewpoint².
• - **Bob Jones University Press**, which publishes social studies textbooks for grades K to 12 that integrate biblical truth and academic excellence. The textbooks cover topics such as American history, world history, geography, government, economics, and sociology from a Christian worldview.
• - **Accelerated Christian Education**, which publishes social studies workbooks for grades K to 12 that teach students to evaluate historical events and current issues in light of God's Word. The workbooks cover topics such as American history, world history, geography, government, economics, and citizenship from a fundamentalist perspective.

Some of these textbooks have been criticized for teaching a version of history that is racially biased and inaccurate. For example, a Guardian analysis found that some of these textbooks whitewash the legacy of slavery, frame Native Americans as lesser, and blame the Black Lives Matter movement for sowing racial discord.

Bing, 7/4/2023

(1) Social Studies - Christian Light. https://christianlight.org/shop-curriculum/by-subject/social-studies.

(2) The rightwing US textbooks that teach slavery as ‘black immigration .... https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/aug/12/right-wing-textbooks-teach-slavery-black-immigration.

Some criticisms of these textbooks are:

• - They present a distorted and selective version of history that favors a white, Christian, conservative perspective and marginalizes or misrepresents the experiences and contributions of people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, and other groups¹²³.
• - They promote a narrow and uncritical view of citizenship and democracy that ignores the complexities and conflicts of social and political issues and discourages students from questioning or challenging the status quo¹².
• - They contain factual errors, omissions, and misinterpretations that undermine the accuracy and credibility of the information they provide²³.
• - They foster a negative and biased view of Islam and other non-Christian religions, while downplaying the violence and oppression committed by Christians in history²⁴.

Bing, 7/4/2023

(1) Accepting or Challenging the Given? Critical Perspectives on Whole .... https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15348458.2021.1958685.

(2) Proposed Texas textbooks are inaccurate, biased and politicized, new .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2014/09/12/proposed-texas-textbooks-are-inaccurate-biased-and-politicized-new-report-finds/.

(3) History Scholars Criticize Social Studies Textbooks - The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/10/history-scholars-criticize-social-studies-textbook/.

(4) Textbooks May Be Too Pro-Islam, Anti-Christian, Texas State Education .... https://abcnews.go.com/US/textbooks-pro-islam-anti-christian-texas-state-education/story?id=11697738.

BACK TO THE PAST: SUPREME COURT JUSTICES EDITION

 

BACK TO THE PAST: SUPREME COURT JUSTICES EDITION

Welcome to the latest blockbuster movie, "Back to the Past: Supreme Court Justices Edition". In this hilarious parody of the classic "Back to the Future" franchise, we follow the adventures of the Supreme Court Justices as they travel back in time to destroy the gains made by women and minorities and give billionaires free reign to form the American plutocracy.

Our story begins with the conservative majority on the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, feeling nostalgic for the good old days when women and minorities knew their place and billionaires ruled the world. So, they decide to hop into their time machine, which just happens to be an old Studebaker Avanti, and travel back in time to the 1950s.

Once they arrive, they immediately set to work dismantling all of the progress made since World War II. They overturn landmark decisions like Brown v. Board of Education and Roe v. Wade, and reinstate segregation and back-alley abortions. They also declare that corporations are people and money is speech, effectively ending any hope of campaign finance reform.

But it's not just women and minorities who are in their crosshairs. They also take aim at the middle class, gutting worker protections and labor unions, and making it easier for corporations to exploit their employees. They even repeal the New Deal, sending the country back into economic depression.

As they revel in their newfound power, they are confronted by a group of plucky heroes who have also traveled back in time to stop them. Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan team up with a young Thurgood Marshall and Cesar Chavez to take on the conservative justices.

What follows is a thrilling battle between good and evil, as the heroes fight to protect the gains made by women and minorities and ensure a more just and equitable future for all. Along the way, they encounter a host of colorful characters, from a young Bernie Sanders to a time-traveling Elon Musk.

In the end, justice prevails, and the conservative justices are sent back to their own time, defeated but not deterred. As they return to the present day, they vow to continue their crusade against progress and equality, but they know that they will always be haunted by the memory of the brave heroes who stood up to them in the past.

So, if you're looking for a hilarious romp through time and space, with a healthy dose of political satire thrown in for good measure, then "Back to the Past: Supreme Court Justices Edition" is the movie for you. It's a wild ride that you won't soon forget!

THE DEFT DIVE

The Roberts court has reversed several precedents in the past 14 years, mostly by 5-4 votes along ideological lines. Some of the most notable ones are:

• - **Citizens United v. FEC** (2010), which overturned **Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce** (1990) and part of **McConnell v. FEC** (2003), and allowed unlimited corporate and union spending in elections as a form of free speech⁴.
• - **Shelby County v. Holder** (2013), which overturned part of **South Carolina v. Katzenbach** (1966) and invalidated the coverage formula of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which required certain states and localities to obtain federal approval before changing their voting laws⁴.
• - **Janus v. AFSCME** (2018), which overturned **Abood v. Detroit Board of Education** (1977) and ruled that public sector unions cannot collect fees from non-members who benefit from collective bargaining, as it violates their First Amendment rights⁴.
• - **Knick v. Township of Scott** (2019), which overturned **Williamson County Regional Planning Commission v. Hamilton Bank of Johnson City** (1985) and allowed property owners to sue local governments for takings claims in federal court without first seeking compensation in state court⁵.
• - **Ramos v. Louisiana** (2020), which overturned **Apodaca v. Oregon** (1972) and held that the Sixth Amendment right to a jury trial requires a unanimous verdict to convict a defendant of a serious offense in both federal and state courts⁵.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) How often does the Supreme Court overturn precedents like Roe v. Wade .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/05/21/how-often-does-supreme-court-overturn-precedents-like-roe-v-wade/.

(2) Precedent And The Roberts Court In 4 Charts - Law360. https://www.law360.com/articles/1207062/precedent-and-the-roberts-court-in-4-charts.

(3) The Supreme Court has overturned precedent dozens of times, including .... https://bing.com/search?q=roberts+court+reversed+precedents.

(4) Supreme Court reverses affirmative action, gutting race-conscious .... https://www.npr.org/2023/06/29/1181138066/affirmative-action-supreme-court-decision.

(5) The Supreme Court has overturned precedent dozens of times in the past .... https://theconversation.com/the-supreme-court-has-overturned-precedent-dozens-of-times-in-the-past-60-years-including-when-it-struck-down-legal-segregation-168052.

(6) The Supreme Court has overturned precedent dozens of times, including .... https://theconversation.com/the-supreme-court-has-overturned-precedent-dozens-of-times-including-striking-down-legal-segregation-and-reversing-roe-185941.

The current supreme court has reversed two major precedents in the past year: **Roe v. Wade** and **Grutter v. Bollinger**. Roe v. Wade (1973) was the landmark decision that recognized a constitutional right to abortion, while Grutter v. Bollinger (2003) was the last decision that upheld race-conscious affirmative action in higher education²³. The court overturned these precedents by 6-3 votes, with the conservative majority citing the need to protect human life and equal protection under the law²⁵.

Some of the changes that have occurred since these precedents were established are:

• - The composition of the supreme court has shifted to a 6-3 conservative majority, with three justices appointed by former President Trump.
• - The political and social polarization of the country has intensified, with abortion and affirmative action becoming highly divisive issues among different groups and regions.
• - The scientific and technological advances have made abortion safer and more accessible, as well as raised new ethical questions about fetal development and viability.
• - The demographic and economic changes have increased the diversity and inequality of the population, as well as the demand for higher education and skilled workers.

7/3/2023

(1) Who died and made the Supreme Court a Congress?. https://www.msnbc.com/the-mehdi-hasan-show/the-mehdi-hasan-show/supreme-court-congress-republican-majority-rcna92394.

(2) Supreme Court Reverses Decades of Precedent to Curtail Affirmative Action. https://truthout.org/articles/supreme-court-reverses-decades-of-precedent-to-curtail-affirmative-action/.

(3) Supreme Court reverses decades of precedent by ending affirmative .... https://www.npr.org/2023/06/29/1185140161/supreme-court-reverses-decades-of-precedent-by-ending-affirmative-action.

(4) Five times the Supreme Court reversed a precedent. https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/3477148-five-times-the-supreme-court-reversed-a-precedent/.

(5) In 370 days, Supreme Court conservatives dash decades of abortion and affirmative action precedents. https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-affirmative-action-abortion-e6fc46c12a6bf83a96874586b5858d18.

The Supreme Court does not have a fixed formula for deciding when to overturn a precedent, but it has stated that there must be some special justification or strong grounds that goes beyond disagreeing with a prior decision's reasoning. The court has also considered several prudential and pragmatic factors that balance the need for stability and correction in the law, such as:

• - **The quality of the past decision's reasoning**, meaning whether the decision was well-reasoned, persuasive, and based on sound legal principles or whether it was flawed, illogical, or arbitrary¹³.
• - **The consistency of the past decision with related decisions**, meaning whether the decision fits within the court's broader doctrinal framework or whether it conflicts, departs, or is eroded by other rulings on similar issues¹³.
• - **The legal developments since the past decision**, meaning whether the decision reflects the current understanding of the Constitution or whether it is outdated, obsolete, or incompatible with new laws, doctrines, or values¹³.
• - **The reliance on the past decision throughout the legal system and society**, meaning whether the decision has generated expectations, investments, or behaviors that would be disrupted, harmed, or unfair if the decision were overruled or whether the decision has caused negative consequences, injustices, or hardships that would be alleviated by overruling¹³.

These factors are not exhaustive or determinative, and different justices may weigh them differently depending on their judicial philosophy, ideology, or views on specific issues. Ultimately, the court has to balance its own institutional legitimacy and authority with its responsibility to interpret and apply the Constitution faithfully and fairly.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) The Rights and Wrongs of Overruling Precedent - Reason.com. https://reason.com/volokh/2019/06/26/the-rights-and-wrongs-of-overruling-precedent/.

(2) Does overturning precedent undermine the Supreme Court’s legitimacy .... https://hls.harvard.edu/today/does-overturning-precedent-undermine-the-supreme-courts-legitimacy/.

(3) The Supreme Court’s Overruling of Constitutional Precedent - CRS Reports. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R45319.

(4) When can the Supreme Court overturn precedent? - LegalKnowledgeBase.com. https://legalknowledgebase.com/when-can-the-supreme-court-overturn-precedent.

(5) 8 Landmark Supreme Court Cases That Were Overturned. https://www.history.com/news/landmark-supreme-court-cases-overturned.

Originalism and living constitutionalism are two competing theories of constitutional interpretation. They differ in how they approach the meaning and authority of the constitutional text.

• - **Originalism** is the theory that the meaning of the constitutional text is fixed at the time of its ratification and that it should bind constitutional actors, such as judges, legislators, and executives. Originalists argue that the original meaning can be discovered by examining the text itself, the historical context, the intentions of the framers, or the public understanding at the time¹². Originalists contend that originalism is the best way to preserve the rule of law, respect democratic choices, and limit judicial activism¹².
• - **Living constitutionalism** is the theory that the meaning of the constitutional text is not fixed but can and should evolve in response to changing circumstances and values. Living constitutionalists argue that the constitutional text is often vague, ambiguous, or outdated, and that it needs to be interpreted in light of contemporary norms, practices, and problems³⁴. Living constitutionalists contend that living constitutionalism is the best way to adapt the Constitution to modern realities, protect fundamental rights, and promote social progress³⁴.

These two theories often clash on controversial issues, such as abortion, affirmative action, gun rights, and campaign finance. They also reflect different views on the role and legitimacy of the Supreme Court as the final arbiter of constitutional questions.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) | University of Virginia School of Law. https://www.law.virginia.edu/scholarship/publication/lawrence-b-solum/953451.

(2) Originalism Versus Living Constitutionalism: The Conceptual Structure .... https://scholarship.law.georgetown.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3248&context=facpub.

(3) CONSTITUTIONAL INTERPRETATION: AN OVERVIEW OF ORIGINALISM AND LIVING .... https://lawreview.law.uic.edu/constitutional-interpretation-an-overview-of-originalism-and-living-constitutionalism/.

(4) Living Constitutionalism v. Originalism. - Human Events. https://humanevents.com/2019/07/02/living-constitutionalism-v-originalism/.

(5) Originalism Vs Living Constitution Theory | ipl.org. https://www.ipl.org/essay/Originalism-Vs-Living-Constitution-Theory-PJYW8X5QDAB.

Citizens United was a landmark Supreme Court decision that overturned previous campaign finance restrictions and allowed corporations and other groups to spend unlimited money on elections as a form of free speech². The ruling has been widely criticized for its impact on the role of money and influence in politics, as it has led to the creation of super PACs, which can raise and spend unlimited funds from wealthy donors, and the expansion of dark money, which is spending by groups that do not disclose their sources of funding¹³. Some argue that Citizens United has undermined the democratic process, increased political polarization, and favored special interests over the public interest³⁴.

However, whether Citizens United has reversed the gains made since World War II is a matter of opinion and perspective. Some might point to the positive aspects of the ruling, such as its protection of free speech rights, its promotion of political diversity and competition, and its empowerment of grassroots movements and social causes⁵. Others might disagree with the premise that there were gains made since World War II, or that those gains were related to campaign finance regulation. Ultimately, the question of how Citizens United has affected American democracy is complex and contested, and it may depend on one's values, beliefs, and goals.

 Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Citizens United vs. FEC - HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/united-states-constitution/citizens-united.

(2) Citizens United Explained | Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/citizens-united-explained.

(3) A look at the impact of Citizens United on its 9th anniversary. https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2019/01/citizens-united/.

(4) Citizens United and Its Impact on Campaign Financing: A Brief Overview .... https://home.heinonline.org/blog/2018/03/citizens-united-and-its-impact-on-campaign-financing-a-brief-overview/.

(5) 13 Years of Impact: The Long Reach of ‘Citizens United’. https://www.ncsl.org/state-legislatures-news/details/13-years-of-impact-the-long-reach-of-citizens-united.

Some of the conservative justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade did say that Roe was settled law and that they follow precedent and stare decisis at their confirmation hearings. For example, Neil Gorsuch said that Roe was "a precedent of the U.S. Supreme Court" that had been "reaffirmed many times" and was "worthy as treatment of precedent like any other"². Brett Kavanaugh said that Roe was an "important precedent of the Supreme Court" that had been "reaffirmed many times" and was "entitled the respect under principles of stare decisis"³. Amy Coney Barrett said that Roe was a "case that is on the books" and that she would "follow all Supreme Court precedent without fail" unless there was a reason to depart from it.

However, saying that Roe was settled law or precedent did not necessarily mean that they agreed with its reasoning or outcome, or that they would never vote to overturn it. They also avoided answering hypothetical questions about how they would rule on future cases involving abortion, citing judicial ethics and independence²³ . Moreover, they indicated that there were circumstances in which they would be willing to reconsider or overrule precedents, such as when they were "grievously wrong", "unworkable", or "inconsistent with other constitutional principles"²³ . In their draft opinion, they argued that Roe met those criteria and therefore should be overturned¹.

It is worth noting that not all conservative justices who voted to overturn Roe said that it was settled law or precedent at their confirmation hearings. Clarence Thomas said that he had no opinion on Roe and had never discussed it with anyone. Samuel Alito said that he would approach the issue of abortion with an open mind and respect for precedent, but he did not explicitly endorse Roe as settled law or precedent.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) What the conservative justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade said .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/06/24/justices-roe-confirmation-hearings/.

(2) Why conservative Justice Potter Stewart joined the majority in Roe v. Wade. https://thehill.com/opinion/judiciary/3482007-why-conservative-justice-potter-stewart-joined-the-majority-in-roe-v-wade/.

(3) What conservative justices said about Roe v. Wade at their ... - NPR. https://www.npr.org/2022/05/03/1096108319/roe-v-wade-alito-conservative-justices-confirmation-hearings.