In the aftermath of the Newtown, Conn. school shootings, Americans are engaged in a debate about how to prevent similar tragedies. There is a new political impetus for reducing the availability of assault-style weapons and increasing the requirements for background checks for other gun purchases. Others have argued instead that more guns would make us safer, e.g. if teachers and other citizens had weapons and training to protect themselves. Some people have focused attention on the porousness of the mental health care system in America.

The Holy Cross community is invited to sit in on a fishbowl-style discussion, 'After Sandy Hook: How do we prevent similar forms of violence?' Participants will include: Marian Blawie '16, a lifelong resident of Newtown; Miles Cahill, professor of economics and associate health professions adviser; Lawrence E. Cahoone, professor of philosophy; Robert T. Jones, associate director of multicultural education and a trainer and facilitator of Kingian Nonviolence; Alison Smith Mangiero, political science instructor; Chris Tota '13, a former NRA member; and Amy Wolfson, professor of psychology and associate dean for faculty development. Thomas M. Landy, director of the McFarland Center, will moderate.

Topics may include: The Second Amendment and our interpretation of it; Cross-cultural perspectives on why the rate of gun violence is greater in the U.S. than in other developed nations; Cultural and social influence, including violent films and video games; Structural factors in American life that contribute to gun violence; Given the prevalence of “ordinary” gun violence in America, is it appropriate to focus on mass shootings in particular?

In the fishbowl format, chairs are arranged in concentric circles. Moderated discussion begins among the inner circle of 'fish,' and later is opened to the audience seated in the outer circles for questions and comments.