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Screenshot of Dicks Sporting Goods logo

Sarah Stern

Screenshot of Dicks Sporting Goods logo

Businesses take a stand against gun violence

Large companies and businesses are starting to become involved in the controversy over gun control and deciding to break ties with the National Rifle Association.

Dick’s Sporting Goods has recently raised the most attention on the issue. The company has decided to show their support against the NRA by stopping the sale of assault weapons, removing high-capacity magazines from their stores and not selling guns to anyone over the age of 21, as stated by The Washington Post.

The reason behind Dicks Sporting Goods’ decision was directly related to the Parkland Shooting, as they have a connection to the tragedy. During a press conference, the company’s CEO Edward Stack revealed that 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, the Parkland school shooter, bought a gun from one of their stores. Although it was not the gun used in the shooting, it prompted the store to reevaluate how they are selling and marketing their products, according to an article published on Investors Business Daily.

“Businesses, like politicians, have ties with the NRA just to receive funds. In exchange, this process gives the NRA endorsement from said businesses and politicians,” senior Nadeen Bunkers said, “I think that businesses should cut ties with the NRA because in this day and age of gun control controversy, it is bad for business to associate with an organization that is in the middle of the gun control debate. After tragedies in schools, movie theaters, and workplaces, it does not suit one well to endorse this association.”

One major way that the NRA is able to gain and maintain followers is by partnering with large companies that offer discounts for their members. These businesses range from big name hotels to airlines and rental car companies, according to Business Insider.

The Enterprise holdings and the First National Bank of Omaha were the first to take action on Feb. 22. The Enterprise holdings include Alamo Rent A Car, National Car Rental and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. They cut all discounts to members in the NRA. Prompted by feedback in customer service, the First National Bank of Omaha has decided to stop selling NRA-branded credit cards, according to CNN Money.

One of the leaders of Orono Students Against Gun Violence Club Gabriella Bann has interest in the movement. “I think that businesses should take action to ensure that gun violence meets its end worldwide but specifically the USA with recent events. Businesses should take incentive to ensure the establishment of universal background checks which will make it so people who shouldn’t be handling guns are unable to buy them.” Bann said.

Major airlines including Delta and United Airlines are also making a statement to the public. United will no longer allow discounted flights to NRA meetings. Similarly, Delta removed discounts for all NRA members and has asked to have the company’s’ information taken off the NRA website, according to CNN Money.

On the other side of the debate, FedEx has announced that they will continue their NRA rewards program. They made a statement saying that the company supports the Second Amendment right for Americans to own guns. However, they would like to see a change in the background checks needed for potential gun owners, according to Business Insider.

Overall, the movement has had big impact on our society. It has also been taken to social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. Users are directly calling out companies that support the NRA by using #boycottNRA in their posts. The hashtag has made about 2.1 million impressions on the sites.

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