Let’s hope the high school students involved in two recent forums in Wheaton on gun laws weren’t the only ones to learn a lesson about debating public policy.

The first event was held April 21 by the League of Women Voters. It was designed for students at Wheaton North High School to advocate two gun-control measures — requiring background checks on all gun purchases and mandating that all gun thefts be reported to police.

The second forum, held May 5, was led by high school students. They spoke on the Second Amendment’s worth in a free society and the futility of some gun laws. It also included presentations on conceal-and-carry laws as well as urging women to defend themselves.

Gun-control critics charged that organizers of the initial forum refused to allow audience members to express their views. The second event invited questions from people in attendance, even though virtually all of them supported gun rights and didn’t take issue with the presentations. Though invited to participate, LWV members chose not to attend last week’s forum.

Each side of this issue has something important to say, and it’s a shame that a civil debate between those espousing different views wasn’t held. Proponents of gun-control laws and of gun rights should make sure their beliefs are grounded in logic and facts. Being familiar with alternate views is often the best way to accomplish this.