How we can address gun violence together

As Montgomery continues to process the recent gun violence tragedy and many offer their thoughts and prayers, as a state lawmaker, I want to contribute to the conversation of constructive ideas and share with my constituents how I plan to address the problem in collaboration with others. I want to begin by sharing that I had the privilege of meeting one of the victims, 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris, while visiting his school last year. My prayers go out to all who knew and loved him, as well as those of the other victim, Shalanda Williams and all who were injured and impacted. The problem of gun violence is multifaceted and deepseated and demands a range of thoughtful approaches and solutions. It will require all of us in government working together.

Each year that I have been in the Legislature, I have successfully secured funding for a conflict resolution program that we started in Montgomery Public Schools. I will once again prioritize this program. I am grateful that we have piloted it in a few schools — primarily Percy Julian — to teach our students how to de-escalate and mediate disagreements.

This will not stop all gun violence in Montgomery, but it can help reduce some of these heartbreaking situations, while improving educational outcomes for some of our most vulnerable children. Therefore, we must try to expand this to even more schools.

But more is required.

I will always stand up and speak out for what is right, while also continuing to find common ground between Democrats and Republicans alike to address this issue — just as I did last year to lead the effort to enact a machine gun conversion device ban. This new law has already resulted in hundreds of “switches” being confiscated throughout the state.

At the Legislature — in collaboration with local government — we must invest more in our young people and neighborhoods; support violence disruption/intervention initiatives; enact reasonable gun safety measures and permit requirements; support adequate funding and staffing of law enforcement agencies; pass smart bail/bond laws that help reduce crime; expand access to mental health services; and more.

These measures will empower residents with the discipline, hope and opportunities to choose non-violence, while enhancing public safety.

Moreover, the state should support — not impede — Montgomery’s local efforts to make our streets safer. For example, local law enforcement staunchly supported a city ordinance requiring anyone carrying a firearm to show identification when asked by police. The state should support these kinds of efforts.

As I have said many times, it will take all of us — starting at home with individuals and parents to community nonprofits to businesses to law enforcement and government — all doing our part to guide our children, and all people, away from gun violence and create safer communities for all.

Together, let us all in Montgomery and Alabama continue to do the hard but necessary work to save lives.

Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, serves in the Alabama House of Representatives.