Despite Lawmakers Forcing HB 757 Through the Legislature, Colleges and Universities Across Florida Reject Arming Campus Faculty and Staff, Highlighting a Massive Disconnect Between State Lawmakers and the Communities They Represent

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Everytown for Gun Safety, along with its grassroots networks Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, released the following statements marking a critical turning point for gun safety in Florida: months after state lawmakers passed HB 757 and expanded the state's Guardian Program to college campuses, not a single college or university in Florida has publicly opted into the program.

The legislation, passed in May despite overwhelming public outcry from students, faculty, survivors, and community members, allowed higher education leaders to authorize faculty and staff to carry concealed firearms on campus. Yet as campuses across the state settle into the fall semester, universities have delivered an unmistakable verdict by refusing to participate.

"In the aftermath of the mass shooting at FSU, students across Florida called on lawmakers to do more to keep their campuses safe from gun violence. Lawmakers responded by offering to arm professors, but a month into the semester, no university in Florida has opted into the program," said U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost. "That should be a signal that we need to take a step back and listen to what students, faculty, and campus leaders are saying they actually need to feel safe. Our focus should be on commonsense measures that prevent gun violence before it happens, not putting more guns into classrooms."

"Students, faculty, staff, and families made it clear they don't want more guns on our campuses, and they meant it. That's why not one school has opted into this program," said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action. "The people have spoken. Now lawmakers need to listen. This November, voters will remember who catered to the gun lobby, and who stood up for the safety of our communities."

"Florida lawmakers claimed this program was necessary, but a month into the school year, not a single institution has chosen to adopt it. That non-participation isn't an accident. It's a clear sign that campus leaders recognize bringing more guns into lecture halls and libraries doesn't make us safer," said Emily Dorman, a volunteer with the Florida State University Students Demand Action group. "We applaud our university administrators for listening to their students and keeping this dangerous program right where it belongs: off our campuses."

The complete lack of participation across Florida's higher education system highlights a stark contrast between the agenda pushed by state leadership and the actual safety needs of students. Rather than investing in evidence-based prevention strategies, mental health resources, or common-sense gun safety policies like secure storage laws, lawmakers forced through a measure that higher education leaders have overwhelmingly deemed unnecessary and dangerous.

To speak with a volunteer from Students Demand Action or Moms Demand Action, please contact [email protected].