Thousands Of US Students Have Staged Classroom Walkouts To Call For Gun Control
The walkouts lasted 17 minutes, one for every person killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Thousands of American high school students have participated in classroom walkouts as part of a nation-wide demonstration calling for sensible gun control.
The #ENOUGH National School Walkout was designed to send a message to lawmakers as well as the National Rifle Association. Each walkout was scheduled to last 17 minutes, one minute for every person killed by a gunman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida one month ago.
Some school districts supported the walkouts, while others threatened to punish students and teachers who took part. Many defied the warning and participated anyway.
Elementary school walkout in Alexandria, Virginia. More than 65 kids, and they are totally silent. Look at those faces. pic.twitter.com/ThyzDtyGo5
— Lois Beckett (@loisbeckett) March 14, 2018
The scene at the Wisconsin State Capitol on #NationalWalkoutDay pic.twitter.com/QgvhjCyKqh
— Lawrence Andrea (@LAndrea_21) March 14, 2018
The kids are right. #Enough #NationalWalkoutDay [ ? via @womensmarch ] pic.twitter.com/oeAJR3Y37Z
— Sally Kohn (@sallykohn) March 14, 2018
This sign tho. #NationalWalkOutDay #ENOUGH pic.twitter.com/rlpqocZkqg
— Bradley E. Williams (@B_RadWill) March 14, 2018
we use our voices for the ones who can’t. we use our voices to make the change we want to see in the world.#neveragainmovement #NationalWalkoutDay@PennWalkout pic.twitter.com/0Y6Ovsn9OD
— tam (@tambour1ne) March 14, 2018
We are the future. #NationalWalkoutDay #MCPS pic.twitter.com/5mGm39BvSf
— Sammie (@sammsperry) March 14, 2018
Aerial shot of the walkout at my son’s school. #NationalWalkOutDay California pic.twitter.com/aDk4BkpOuv
— Sabrina Sol (@theromancechica) March 14, 2018
Lydia, who will be 18 in 2020 said she she will not be voting for any politician who takes money from the NRA. pic.twitter.com/TmrBQ1fgQH
— Bradley E. Williams (@B_RadWill) March 14, 2018
i’m so proud and grateful to be apart of a school that is so unified. i am even more grateful to be apart of a generation that is making huge waves for change. all of our hearts go out to the 17 victims and with parkland ❤️ #SCHSStandsWithParkland #NationalWalkoutDay pic.twitter.com/ZTqHkayHGR
— huncho nick (@nick_russellll) March 14, 2018
Crestwood High ⚡️Dearborn Heights, Michigan. #NationalWalkoutDay pic.twitter.com/GKaC4RaKfy
— ayah (@lilsharmuta) March 14, 2018
In Washington D.C., hundreds of students gathered outside the White House before marching on the U.S. Capitol. In New York City, they marched on Trump Tower chanting “hey hey, NRA, how many kids did you kill today?”
Making their move on Washington. #NationalWalkoutDay #washingtondc #uscapitol #ParklandShooting pic.twitter.com/dZFhN2hhJX
— Scott Thuman (@ScottThuman) March 14, 2018
Powerful moment in DC with huge crowd of students sitting with their backs to the White House for 17 minutes of silence. #NationalWalkoutDay #Enough pic.twitter.com/tvP8t80FXE
— Bradley E. Williams (@B_RadWill) March 14, 2018
Students outside of the Trump Hotel in NYC are chanting “Hey hey, NRA, how many kids did you kill today?” #NationalWalkoutDay
— Simar (@sahluwal) March 14, 2018
Students had three main demands for congress: a ban on assault weapons, universal background checks, and laws allowing courts to disarm people who show warning signs of violent behaviour.
The #Enough walkouts took place ahead of the March for Our Lives in Washington, scheduled for March 24.
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h/t Reuters, CNN. Feature image via Bradley E. Williams/Twitter