Based on news stories from U.S. newspapers, this report examines the prevalence of gun violence in American schools. During the past 4 years, beginning with September 1986, at least 71 people (65 students and 6 employees) have been killed with guns at school. Another 201 were severely wounded, and 242 individuals were held hostage at gunpoint. During this same period, shootings or hostage situations have occurred in at least 35 states and the District of Columbia. Males are most frequently offenders (93 percent) as well as victims (76 percent). School children aged 14-17 are most at risk of gun violence in school, which occurs most often in hallways (25 percent) and in classrooms (19 percent). Gang or drug disputes were the leading cause of school gun violence (18 percent). Longstanding arguments (15 percent), romantic disagreements (12 percent), fights over material possessions (10 percent), and accidents (13 percent) are also common. Handguns are the overwhelming choice of firearm for those who committed gun violence in schools. Gun confiscation figures are also increasing yearly in schools across the U.S. With an estimated 400,000 boys carrying handguns to school yearly, there is a tremendous potential for even greater rates of death, injury, and violence. (MLH)