Approximately two dozen people gathered in the Ford School of Public Policy Tuesday evening to discuss gun safety legislation and advocacy in Michigan with state Rep. Stephanie Young, D-Detroit. The event was hosted and moderated by the Students Demand Action chapter at the University of Michigan, a student-led division ofthe largest gun violence prevention organization in the United States, Everytown for Gun Safety. SDA opened the event by providing an overview of key gun laws in Michigan, including universal background checks, conceal carry permits and “stand your ground” policies.
During the event, Young said living in Detroit inspired her to enter politics and challenge the notion that gun safety laws aim to take away citizens’ firearms.
“It became imperative that I have to be the voice in this space because nobody else had these types of lived experiences,” Young said. “I took that same voice and that passion with me to Lansing. So when we get to Lansing, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, they are like, ‘Y’all are just trying to take our guns.’ (That’s) not so.”…