Population Divided on Whether Teachers Should Carry Concealed Loaded Guns in Schools

4/2/2018

A week before the March for Our Lives in Washington, two thirds of the US population feel that “gun control” laws in the US are only fair or poor. 

A third believe they are poor.

People feel that sales of both semi-automatic and automatic assault weapons and handguns should be more restricted from civilian purchase. A much higher percentage feel that sales of semi-automatic and automatic weapons to civilians should be eliminated.

The public is evenly divided on whether some teachers should carry concealed loaded handguns in schools. Not surprisingly, republicans, men, and those residing in the Midwest and South are more likely to favor it than democrats, women, and those residing on the coasts.

The data suggest that this question divides on party lines and requires discussion to find common ground on this issue. The low ratings of gun control policies and the need for more restriction, especially for semi/automatic weapons are far less polarized. The Fishlinger Center will be tracking this issue after the March in Washington next week to assess the effect it has on attitudes toward this issue.

Survey Methodology
The Fishlinger Center conducts online national surveys focusing on political issues in the United States. The fieldwork for the polls is conducted using a blended national panel from Survey Sampling Inc. Interviews were conducted March 1 -15, 2018. The credibility interval for a sample of 1000 is 5 percentage points.  The credibility interval is larger for subgroups and for differences between polls.

In addition to credibility interval, the polls are subject to other potential sources of error including, but not limited to coverage and measurement error. Data were rim weighted to match the national population on age, sex, Hispanic origin and race. Question wording and topline results are available at fishlingercenter@mountsaintvincent.edu.

About the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy
The Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research opened in February 2015 at the University of Mount Saint Vincent. The Center conducts deep and broad studies of public opinion on key public policy concerns through independent and objective research conducted by students, faculty, and other members of the academic community.

By providing a forum for discourse that can stimulate intelligent dialog about issues that deeply affect all Americans, the Center illustrates and enhances the relationship between the work of the College and the common good.

James F. Donius, Ph.D., director of the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, is available to speak to members of the press about the survey, the Fishlinger Optimism Index™, and the Center. To arrange an interview, or for more information about the study, please contact Public Relations at publicrelations@mountsaintvincent.edu.

About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of study on a landmark campus overlooking the Hudson River. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational, and career opportunities of New York City, the College equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, professional accomplishment and leadership in the 21st century.