Student activism on the rise following Florida school shooting
Students demonstrate for gun control outside the Colorado state capitol House, Denver on Feb. 21. (Photo courtesy of Brandon Marshall CC by 4.0)
March 1, 2018
Following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14, students at West Essex and around the nation have taken a prominent role in initiating protests and demonstrations.
The carnage is an example of what many have called an avoidable act of violence. Outraged students all over the U.S. began petitioning to reform gun control laws almost immediately following the shooting.
Sari Kaufman, a sophomore at Stoneman Douglas wrote a letter to the Sun Sentinel editor explaining the motives of her and her fellow classmates.
“I am only 15 years old, but I understand that politics are extremely complicated,” Kaufman said in her article. “However, I believe that we can fix these issues in our systems so other kids do not have to go through the same trauma I have gone through.”
Kaufman is not alone. Emma González, a senior at the school, created the activist group Never Again MSD. Started on social media, the group advocates for stricter gun laws and condemns politicians with ties to the National Rifle Association. Gonzalez also spoke on firearm safety at the Broward County courthouse.
In response to the outcry, numerous sporting goods stores such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart have raised the minimum age to buy firearms to 21; other companies such as Delta have cut their ties with the NRA.
President Trump heard students as well, calling to raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm to 21 at a meeting with lawmakers on guns and school safety.
At West Essex, administrators have closed several entrances to the school in the morning, leaving only two doors open to make sure any suspicious activity can be easily monitored. Large cement barriers have also been placed in front of multiple entrances to the building.
Principal Caesar Diliberto held a meeting during lunch on Tuesday, Feb. 27 for students interested in displaying their support for the Stoneman Douglas students or protesting. While it is unclear yet what the school will do to take action, administrators are open to working with students to allow for some kind of demonstration.
If you would like to help coordinate or participate in demonstrations at West Essex regarding school safety, you can join the following Google Classroom: odlqyad.
