Talk title: "Saving Lives by Stopping Violence, Using Science"
Thomas Abt will discuss how evidence-informed programs, practices, and policies can reduce rates of gun-related and other violence now, without resorting to new laws or big budgets, provided we can put politics aside. Abt's pragmatic, science-based approach focuses on solving concrete problems, not winning abstract arguments.
Talk title: "Mass Shootings through the Public and Legislative Lenses: How Do We Make Sense of Tragedy?"
Mass shootings, although statistically rare events, have generated widespread concern and a demand to do something to prevent the next tragedy. Public reactions to these events, particularly those that are more high profile – and more lethal – in nature, drive legislative responses. Despite widespread outcry, however, little has been done legislatively, particularly at the federal level, to prevent these tragedies from occurring. This talk will highlight what is known about mass shootings and how the public have responded with a demand to do something. Legislative responses at both the state and federal levels will be examined, highlighting where inaction has led to missed opportunities to prevent future tragedies or improve responses if they do occur. Finally, this talk will provide insight into how the public can better understand mass shootings, including their root causes, and how we can collectively work together to prevent future tragedies from occurring.
