Firearms have become increasingly prevalent in daily life over the past decade, and numerous states are examining regulations governing many aspects of gun sales, purchases, and public carry privileges. This expansion of gun ownership raises a number of questions that an expert panel of academic researchers, medical professionals, lawmakers and activists will address, such as:
- How can we balance gun rights with public safety?
- What are the current states of firearm legislation, research and activism?
- What might political compromise look like?
- What is the responsibility of an institution such as Vanderbilt to address gun violence prevention?
The panel discussion, along with a moderated public debate, will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Light Hall, Room 208 (located at 2218 Garland Ave.). The event is free and open to the public. Media interested in attending should contact Amy Wolf or call (615) 322-NEWS.
“It’s evident in our society that there are many issues surrounding guns that are divisive,” said Dr. Jonathan Metzl, Vanderbilt psychiatrist, sociologist and director of the Center for Medicine, Health and Society. “But we hope to address these issues based on academics, research and expertise in a way that might help move the debate forward.”
Panelists Include:
- Jonathan Metzl, director, Center for Medicine, Health and Society; expert on mental health and gun violence; and author of Mental Illness, Mass Shootings and the Politics of American Firearms
- Stephan Heckers, chair, Vanderbilt Department of Psychiatry, who can address firearms and mental health
- Beth Roth, director, Safe Tennessee, who can address community activism in red states
- Lee Harris, Tennessee state senator, 29th District, who can address the state of legislation
- Molly Pahn, Boston University, Public Health, who can address firearms research
- Purnima Unni, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Pediatric Surgery, who can address trauma and injury
- Leading questions: Ken MacLeish, Center for Medicine, Health and Society
The panel discussion is sponsored by the Vanderbilt Center for Medicine, Health, and Society, the Vanderbilt Program in American Studies, and the dean’s offices for the College of Arts and Science and the School of Medicine.
