Not Another School Shooting: Media, Race, and Gun Violence in K-12 Schools

Abstract

This study examines the characteristics of school shootings and investigates the relationship between perpetrators’ race and how shootings are reported by the media. Findings, utilizing data from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, demonstrate differences by race in the characteristics of school shootings and media reporting of school shootings. Inaccurate and incomplete portrayals of school gun violence in data repositories and the media may lead to public perceptions and policy responses that do not adequately address root causes of violence. In addition, these inaccurate depictions shroud the reality of gun violence in K-12 schools. Accurate information regarding the circumstances of gun violence in schools is a necessary component of preventing future violence.