Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/firearm-licensing
In the ongoing conversation about reducing gun violence, the focus often lands squarely on background checks. While essential, a recent Coursera course, “Firearm Purchaser Licensing Teach-Out: The Background Check Policy Not Enough People Are Talking About,” compellingly argues that this is only part of the solution. This insightful course dives deep into the critical, yet often overlooked, policy of firearm purchaser licensing (FPL), also known as permit-to-purchase laws.
The course masterfully breaks down what firearm purchaser licensing entails and how these systems function in practice. It clearly articulates the significant gaps that federal background check laws leave unaddressed, and how FPL effectively bridges these divides. A key takeaway is the robust evidence presented: states implementing comprehensive background checks *in conjunction with* FPL experience demonstrably lower rates of firearm-involved homicides, fatal mass shootings, and suicides. This isn’t just theoretical; the course highlights strong bodies of research supporting these claims.
What makes this course particularly valuable is its exploration of the *how*. It doesn’t just present the problem; it offers actionable insights into how these policies can be advanced, even through grassroots efforts. For anyone concerned about gun violence and seeking to understand more effective policy solutions, this course is a must-watch. It provides a nuanced, evidence-based perspective that challenges conventional wisdom and illuminates a path toward safer communities.
I highly recommend “Firearm Purchaser Licensing Teach-Out” to policymakers, advocates, students, and concerned citizens alike. It’s an eye-opening and empowering educational experience.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/firearm-licensing