Others sent a more overtly political message, like students protesting in Washington, D.C., who chanted, “What do we want? Gun Control! When do we want it? Now!”Īt San Clemente High School, walkout leader Jackson Hinkle, 18, called for students to make five demands: enact legislation declaring gun violence a national health crisis ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines for firearms expand background checks pass a federal gun violence restraining order law and pass legislation to demilitarize the police.īut other young people questioned whether such efforts would reduce school shootings. “I wanted to use this protest to raise solidarity among high school students, but not necessarily to change their opinions about the Second Amendment,” said Julianne Kim, a 17-year-old senior at Troy. Students also used the moment to urge legislators to take action, whether to make schools safer generally or to strengthen gun laws specifically.Īt some schools, including Troy High, organizers tried to keep their event nonpartisan and made an effort to include students who support gun owners’ rights. “I’m just glad that everybody could come together and show humanity.” “I’m loving the support,” junior Kaylani Morrow said as a passing truck honked in acknowledgment. In Redondo Beach, about 400 Redondo Union High School students and some parents gathered at Pacific Coast Highway and Diamond Street with signs representing the Parkland victims. In other districts, tributes included empty chairs or desks, pairs of shoes, and balloons representing each of the dead. And at Claremont High, students sang “Amazing Grace” and observed a moment of silence. Victims rememberedĪ central component to many of the events was to specifically honor the Parkland victims.Īt Fullerton’s Troy High School and at Millikan High School in Long Beach students read the names of the 14 students and three staff members who died a month ago. About 300 students gathered on a soccer field at Colorado’s Columbine High, while students who survived the Sandy Hook Elementary School attack in 2012 marched out of Newtown High School in Connecticut. Some of the protests were held at schools with first-hand experience of major shootings. As the demonstrations unfolded Wednesday, the National Rifle Association’s official Twitter feed included a photo of a black rifle emblazoned with an American flag and the caption, “I’ll control my own guns, thank you.” The students also faced adult political opposition. While administrators and teachers at some schools applauded students for taking a stand – and some joined in – others threatened punishment for missing class. Another event was held at Stoneman Douglas High, and more than 10,000 people watched it online. One event drew thousands of students to the White House, where many turned their back to the building to symbolize frustration with the lack of leadership on gun reform. Organizers said more than 3,000 walkouts were planned around the U.S and worldwide. Protesters used the time in different ways. in their time zone and remain out of class for 17 minutes – one minute for each Parkland victim. The walkout was spearheaded by Empower, the youth arm of the Women’s March, and most student organizers followed a plan to walk out at 10 a.m. Most were ruled not credible, but several led to arrests.įaith Nishimura, a junior at Claremont High School, said she feels connected to Stoneman Douglas students.”I wondered, what if it happened to me? What if it happened to our school?” Over the past month, Southern California law enforcement agencies have investigated numerous threats against schools. Fear hasn’t dissipated since the Parkland shooting.