The youth are the main victims of mass shootings in the United States. In the wake of the tragic school shooting event in Nashville, several online movements have sprung up advocating for students to stage walkouts during the school day. The nationwide walkout was planned by Students Demand Action.
In Nashville, Tennessee six people were killed: Three 9-year-olds and three staff members. Students across the country took part in a nationwide walkout, protesting school shootings and telling lawmakers to pass better gun safety laws. Their demand is for better background checks and a ban on semi-automatic firearms such AR-15s.
In February a Safety, Security and Technology Levy, was approved which will fund enhanced safety and security systems, such as secure building access controls, emergency communications systems and additional security cameras.
Washington is looked to as a state willing to pass aggressive legislation. The state is different than other states when it comes to the laws around buying guns. Eventhough this is the case, students think it’s important to show solidarity with each other students fighting for the same cause.
Students from Gig Harbor, Mukilteo, and Issaquah all participated in the walkout. This represents west Washington. Statements from each district was sent out. The statement beliw was send out by Gig Harbor:
“Every person who cares about kids, and cares about the safety of our schools, has been deeply moved by recent tragedies. Our district provides resources and tools to our educators and families to help address these issues with our students who may have questions and a lot of emotions when such a tragedy occurs. School counselors are always available to students.
We also provide emergency information for families on our website.
School safety and security emerged as top priorities for our families and community during our strategic plan engagement process. Here is a link to our Strategic Plan, which includes providing a safe, inclusive learning environment for all students.
All of our schools are equipped with security cameras and locked during the school day. Only PSD staff with key badges are able to access a school during school hours. Visitors are only allowed entrance after speaking with an office member on a video doorbell.”
Tennesee is on the hotseat for the way it is treating two Black legislators who stood up for a group that was not given their fair say about gun legislation during a public meeting. Despite fierce protests, lawmakers in Tennessee have yet to implement any type of gun reform. Legislators there are focusing instead on physical school security in schools and mental health resources. In contrast, Washington state has implemented red flag laws and stricter background checks, making some students feel safer.
