On Feb. 3, United Nations Association USA, a club dedicated to bringing awareness of the United Nations, will be hosting “A Forum on Gun Violence” in the Carpenter Family Theatre from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

The event gives students a chance to speak with their fellow students as well as local political leaders about gun violence in light of the recent Borderline shooting as well as government action on this topic.

“Students will be speaking, specifically students from Never Again So Cal and UNA-USA,” said UNA-USA president Quinn Muscatel ‘20. “We hope to spread awareness with this event and inform those attending of how gun violence can be prevented.”

UNA-USA plans to discuss ways that this generation can better America moving forward. Those in attendance will have a chance to learn about the present issues such as the Ventura County Fairgrounds gun shows and share ideas on what can be done.

“I am looking forward to the discussion regarding gun shows at the Ventura County Fairgrounds as a lot of people don’t know that a large majority of illegal gun sales take place at gun shows,” said UNA-USA vice president Nate Brenner ‘19. “It’s a problem that will slowly be eradicated as more people become aware of it.”

UNA-USA member Micah Meyers ‘20 emphasizes the point that the issues discussed at this event pertain to every WHS student. He explains that he hopes the event, as is the goal of their cause, will hopefully make students more “interested in human rights.”

“Even if you’re not interested in politics, we all aim to make our world a safer place for ourselves and our offspring,” said Meyers.

In addition to WHS students, many members of the community will be there to speak on the issue. Speakers include Susan Orfanos, mother of Borderline shooting victim, Telemachos Orfanos, Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Ventura County sheriff Bill Ayub, Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin, Supervisor Linda Parks and California Senator Henry Stern.

“I really hope some of the politicians such as Assemblywoman Irwin go over their prospective legislation as I think it’s super important that we, as their constituency, know what they want to put in action,” said Brenner.

The event will allow for politically-involved students to become more caught up with current issues, and it will give an opportunity for less involved students to decide where they stand on the issue.

“The issue of gun violence is a very controversial topic right now, and I think many students believe it is two-sided when there are actually many perspectives on it’s prevention,” said Muscatel.

Anyone interested in attending can get a ticket by searching “forum on gun violence” on eventbrite.com or by scanning the QR code on the flyer posted around campus.

“I want to emphasize that this is a bipartisan event, and it doesn’t matter what stance you take politically when it comes to this event,” said Muscatel. “Everyone is welcome.”