As PGN goes to press, millions of students across the nation are protesting the country’s lack of gun-control laws. The ENOUGH National School Walkout took place 10 a.m. Wednesday, exactly one month after 17 people were shot and killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. The walkout lasted 17 minutes — one minute for each individual taken away from the world too soon.
The purpose of the walkout was to encourage Congress to “pass legislation to keep us safe from gun violence at our schools, on our streets and in our homes and places of worship,” according to the website of Women’s March Youth EMPOWER, the organization that spearheaded the walkout.
Most school officials have supported the protest, including Dr. William R. Hite, the superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia.
“We support students’ rights to self-expression and awareness of social issues,” Hite wrote in a letter to principals. “Please remind students to be respectful of students on campus who may not wish to participate, and/or students who may hold opposing views to those shared during the event.”
Additionally, Hite encouraged school-district officials to designate safe spaces for students to walk out to, and not to impose discipline on participants.
However, the Sayreville School District in northern New Jersey announced it would suspend students who participated. But, according to the school district’s code of conduct, students who “leave school without authorization” are subject only to Saturday detention, not suspension.
Youth in Philadelphia can turn to a number of resources, in addition to the city’s supportive school district. This includes LGBT-inclusive organizations such as The Attic Youth Center and GALAEI’s youth programs.
Additionally, students can seek support even after graduating high school. The University of Pennsylvania, which includes a longstanding LGBT Center, tweeted, “Penn applauds any student who peacefully asserts their right to protest. Participation in these activities will not negatively affect any student’s application to the University of Pennsylvania.”
Philadelphia has always been known for its activists, and it’s encouraging to know that our city is once again supporting a bigger fight.