NAACP Calls for Enhanced Safety Measures on Campuses in Honor of Heroism and Courage of Ryan C. Clark and the other Victims of Gun Violence

WHEREAS, there has been an alarming increase in recent years in the incidents of gun violence on college campuses in this country; and 

WHEREAS, on April 16, 2007 a gunman at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University killed thirty three people and injured many others; in February 2008 six people at Northern Illinois University were shot and killed; three were shot at Hampton University in April 2009; and in May 2009 one student was killed and another injured at Wesleyan University in Connecticut; and 

WHEREAS, these senseless shootings destroy our country and deprive our communities of talented youth whose potential and contributions will never be realized; and 

WHEREAS, Ryan C. Clark, who was a student at Virginia Tech was shot and killed after trying to help his fellow students; and 

WHEREAS, Ryan C. Clark had a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) and had a triple major in Psychology, Biology and English and hoped to pursue a doctorate in Psychology to work with the mentally impaired, and his death exemplifies the tragic loss to family and community; and 

WHEREAS, the NAACP is addressing the issue of gun violence and is fighting for a society where students are educated in an environment free of violence and racial intimidation. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP acknowledges the memory of Ryan C. Clark and all the victims of gun violence on school campuses; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP support the implementation of more stringent, protective measures to enhance student safety, including more comprehensive background checks and more thorough evaluation of students with medical or mental issues; and 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP reaffirms prior resolutions and supports sensible gun safety legislation which would make it difficult for people to obtain military style, semi-automatic assault weapons.