See How Worries About Shootings Affect Readers' Lives

Two weeks ago, we asked readers to tell us about their fears of a mass shooting on campus. Their response was resounding, totaling hundreds of entries.

The survey was anonymous and not scientific. As such, it does not paint a comprehensive portrait of student and faculty fears about shootings. But an examination of the responses reveals common themes. For example, many professors said they mapped escape routes for each classroom they taught in. Others said news of shootings had discouraged them from giving certain students bad grades. And many students said they wished they were allowed to carry firearms on campus to protect themselves from mass shooters.

Click through the responses below:, which are loosely categorized by readers’ levels of concern:

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As Campus Gun Violence Increases, So Do Professors' Fears

Gallows humor masks feelings of helplessness and anger as faculty members speculate on the grim probability of more classroom shootings.

‘I Got Nobody’: Scholars of Gun Violence Describe Their Lonely Battles

Two university researchers say they’re optimistic that their work will have long-term benefits. But the sometimes-vitriolic response they receive can be deeply frustrating.