Letter: Steps to take to reduce school shootings

Key Takeaways:

• The letter was penned by West Fargo resident, Ron Runsvold.
• It was published in Inforum on August 29, 2025.
• Runsvold contends that calls for gun control are “political posturing.”
• The piece highlights school shootings as an urgent national concern.
• It prompts consideration of alternative methods to address the root causes of school violence.

Introduction

School shootings remain a grim concern across the United States, stirring passionate debates about how to protect students. In this opinion piece, originally published in Inforum on August 29, 2025, West Fargo resident Ron Runsvold offers his stark perspective on the matter.

The Author’s Standpoint

“Calls for any type of gun control will not help; it is just political posturing,” Runsvold maintains. He argues that focusing on firearms alone—rather than addressing underlying causes—will do little to reduce incidences of deadly violence in schools. In framing the debate as largely partisan, he questions whether such proposals are adequate or merely symbolic gestures.

Questions About Action

Because the letter’s title promises “steps to take” to reduce school shootings, Runsvold’s skepticism of gun control hints that other strategies might be more productive. Without delving into explicit alternative measures, his words imply the need to broaden the national dialogue. By rejecting standard policy prescriptions, the letter raises the question: what, if not gun control, will keep students safe?

Concluding Thoughts

Runsvold’s challenge to the effectiveness of gun control underscores the complexity of preventing school shootings. Although the letter does not provide a detailed plan or specific policy changes, its central argument is clear: reduce political rhetoric and place more emphasis on authentic solutions. Whether such solutions lie in mental health initiatives, security measures, or broader societal reforms remains a subject for ongoing discussion.