By Sandra Cuevas
In light of the Parkland high school shooting in Florida, youth activism is being presented all over the world through different forms, such as a national school walkout and March for Our Lives. Through this, the youth marched together to visibly demonstrate that they have had enough gun violence and it’s time to do something about it.
On March 14th, 2018, students protested against gun violence by walking out of their classes for 17 minutes, one minute for each person that was murdered in the Parkland school shooting.
On March 24th, rallies across the U.S. to protest against gun violence were organized by kids whom families also participated. Students of Prospect High School organized the “March for Our Lives” rally at San Jose City Hall to honor the victims of the Parkland shooting and demand action from our leaders for stricter gun control.
Participants of both marches are demanding for lawmakers to ban assault weapons, require background checks, and pass a gun violence restraining order law that would allow courts to disarm people who display warning signs of violent behavior.
In San Jose, high schools, such as James Lick, Prospect, Santa Teresa, Oak Grove, etc., all organized and participated in the national school walkout. Students have taken initiative and leadership to incorporate everyone’s voices and opinions and combine them all into one that will be heard.
On March 14th, 2018, students protested against gun violence by walking out of their classes for 17 minutes, one minute for each person that was murdered in the Parkland school shooting.
On March 24th, rallies across the U.S. to protest against gun violence were organized by kids whom families also participated. Students of Prospect High School organized the “March for Our Lives” rally at San Jose City Hall to honor the victims of the Parkland shooting and demand action from our leaders for stricter gun control.
Participants of both marches are demanding for lawmakers to ban assault weapons, require background checks, and pass a gun violence restraining order law that would allow courts to disarm people who display warning signs of violent behavior.
In San Jose, high schools, such as James Lick, Prospect, Santa Teresa, Oak Grove, etc., all organized and participated in the national school walkout. Students have taken initiative and leadership to incorporate everyone’s voices and opinions and combine them all into one that will be heard.
Adrian Gaona, a student at James Lick high school, was one among thousands of students who walked out of class and helped organize the walkout at his school. He shared, “My experience in the national walkout was very emotional as all this really touched my heart. This walkout made me want to be involved in making change, and it made me grateful for having another day to live. The amount of support that we received from our students as well as our teachers was enjoyable to watch.”
The purpose of these protests was not only to demand stricter gun control but to mourn and honor the lives of the victims in the Parkland shooting. Many schools had more than half the school participate in the walkout. Many people were deeply encouraged to come out, take a stand, and march in unity.
Krystal Galdamez, a student at Santa Teresa high school, added, “I have high hopes that the youth will open the eyes of lawmakers and press them to pass stricter gun control laws.”
Students voices are never heard as they can’t vote for issues they believe or politicians who represent things they stand for. It is not a new thing for students to come together and protest a certain issue that involves them in some way. In the 1968 East L.A. Walkouts, Latino students from all around the city came together to protest against the unequal conditions in schools. These Chicano students organized and carried out walkouts for student rights, better teachers, and better school facilities. This Chicano movement lead on to create ethnic pride, cultural awareness, and commitment to community.
However, the difference in support to the kids in the Florida school shooting to the kids in #BlackLivesMatter is something we should take note of. The difference was noticed as student anger began to rise in the aftermath of the Florida school shooting. The supportive attention towards the Florida shooting is leaving #BlackLivesMatter activists feeling taken aback and ignored. Everyone is suddenly having the eagerness to support these white students for their protest against gun violence, but when it came to #BlackLivesMatter they didn’t seem to give them the attention they deserved. The difference is very important to pick up on, especially since Black students are facing gun violence repeatedly in their lives.
Although one day of protesting won’t make much of a difference in our law enforcements, it will make a difference if we continue to involve ourselves in more events that try to make changes in things we feel is necessary. It’s important to get many of our voices together in order to get our opinions heard and ensure the safety in not only our schools but in our country.
The purpose of these protests was not only to demand stricter gun control but to mourn and honor the lives of the victims in the Parkland shooting. Many schools had more than half the school participate in the walkout. Many people were deeply encouraged to come out, take a stand, and march in unity.
Krystal Galdamez, a student at Santa Teresa high school, added, “I have high hopes that the youth will open the eyes of lawmakers and press them to pass stricter gun control laws.”
Students voices are never heard as they can’t vote for issues they believe or politicians who represent things they stand for. It is not a new thing for students to come together and protest a certain issue that involves them in some way. In the 1968 East L.A. Walkouts, Latino students from all around the city came together to protest against the unequal conditions in schools. These Chicano students organized and carried out walkouts for student rights, better teachers, and better school facilities. This Chicano movement lead on to create ethnic pride, cultural awareness, and commitment to community.
However, the difference in support to the kids in the Florida school shooting to the kids in #BlackLivesMatter is something we should take note of. The difference was noticed as student anger began to rise in the aftermath of the Florida school shooting. The supportive attention towards the Florida shooting is leaving #BlackLivesMatter activists feeling taken aback and ignored. Everyone is suddenly having the eagerness to support these white students for their protest against gun violence, but when it came to #BlackLivesMatter they didn’t seem to give them the attention they deserved. The difference is very important to pick up on, especially since Black students are facing gun violence repeatedly in their lives.
Although one day of protesting won’t make much of a difference in our law enforcements, it will make a difference if we continue to involve ourselves in more events that try to make changes in things we feel is necessary. It’s important to get many of our voices together in order to get our opinions heard and ensure the safety in not only our schools but in our country.