Elizabeth J. Swasey

School-based programs such as midnight basketball do not decrease juvenile crime and gang violence, Elizabeth J. Swasey asserts in the following viewpoint. She cites assaults and murders committed by youths that participated in these programs as proof that such strategies are ineffective. Swasey notes that even an evaluation by the U.S. Justice Department has concluded that these programs do not reduce juvenile crime. Therefore, she argues, Congress should not increase funding for these programs. Swasey founded the women’s personal safety program at the National Rifle Association and is the director of the NRA’s CrimeStrike, which works to improve the criminal justice system.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How does Congress define “at-risk youth,” according to Swasey?
2. By what percentage did...