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Lawmakers grill students about solutions to gun violence

The solution to gun violence continues to be a discussion across the country and Sunday night the hot topic was being discussed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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By
Kasey Cunningham
, WRAL reporter
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Students in the Triangle and across the country have been demanding action on tighter gun laws since the February shooting at a Parkland, Fla. high school.

Sunday night, Triangle teens were questioned by North Carolina lawmakers about possible solutions to the issue when the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill held what’s known as a reverse town hall meeting.

College students, and even some in high school, took to the stage and were put on the spot as lawmakers grilled them on their opinions about gun violence.

“I’m nervous, but I’m excited to express my opinion and get the opportunity to talk directly to lawmakers who have a lot of influence,” said high school student Isabella Bredwell.

Although the meeting got off to a slow start, it wasn’t long before bright minds raced to weigh in on a range of topics surrounding gun control, including whether or not the state should allow people to carry guns on a college campus.

“Sometimes we politicians talk too much. It’s good for us to hear what students are thinking,” said Rep. John Faircloth.

Students also debated the effectiveness of school walkouts. Wilson student Justin Blackman said he was the only student in his school to participate in a national walkout while other students said classmates treated the walkout as a joke and excuse to skip class.

“You’re never too young to be educated or to start being civically engaged,” said high school student Raina Lee.

The town hall ended on an upbeat note as students with different opinions agreeing the only way to tackle a change in gun violence is by putting aside political parties and focusing on keeping an open mind when it comes to making changes in gun laws.

The event was hosted by the nonpartisan, student-run UNC Institute of Politics.

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