UChicago engages in national gun policy discussion

Leading policymakers and scholars gathered at a University of Chicago Institute of Politics event on Tuesday, Jan. 15 to discuss the complex issues around gun violence, as part of the wide-ranging engagement by UChicago scholars in the national conversation about gun policy. At the Institute's panel discussion, "The Politics of Guns in America," leaders representing different views in the gun control debate examined ways to reduce gun violence and prevent future tragedies. Panelists included NBC journalist Tom Brokaw, Chicago Tribune columnist Steve Chapman, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, University of Chicago Crime Lab Director Jens Ludwig , and former U.S. Rep. Steven LaTourette. "The horrific tragedy at Newtown has rekindled the national debate on guns that has been going on for half a century," Institute Director David Axelrod said in his introduction. "All Americans grieve these losses, yet we can't seem to agree on what to do about them." Scholars from the UChicago Crime Lab are especially active in the search for insights and solutions for issues of gun violence.