Twelve weeks into the year, before the March for Our Lives event was held March 24, there were 17 school shootings in the U.S. The march was prompted by the school shooting on Valentine’s Day, in Parkland FL where 14 students and three staff members were shot at Stoneman Douglas High School (SDHS). Students and families from SDHS and allies of the #NeverAgain movement formed by 20 SDHS students, assembled at Pine Trails Park. Many others in Florida had a rally. Since the Parkland shooting there have been 15 additional school shootings. 

Nineteen weeks into the year there have been 20 school shootings.

“I’m glad students are getting politically involved,” English teacher Margarita Castro- Cabral said.

Students from SDHS started the “March for Our Lives” movement aiming for stricter gun laws. A second march took place in Washington, D.C. and 800 other US cities. The march went worldwide including London, Madrid, Tokyo, Brisbane, Rome, Paris and Copenhagen.

“The march is a good thing. Anything that promotes the safety of people is amazing,” U.S. history teacher Christopher Sanchez said.  

This movement wants to impact gun laws.

“It will bring more awareness to gun violence and hopefully get politicians to act accordingly,” Castro-Cabral said.

Former U.S. senator Rick Santorum, from Pennsylvania, had a few things to say about the marchers a day after the March 24  protest.

“How about kids instead of looking to someone else to solve their problem, do

something about maybe taking CPR classes or trying to deal with situations that when there is a violent shooter that you can actually respond to that,” Santorum said.

Santorum’s comment sparked discussion.

“I understand what he meant with his comment about students ‘learning CPR,’ but it was very insensitive. It goes to show that some politicians care more about greed and power,” Castro-Cabral said.

Santorum’s comments offended many.

“His comment was foolish and I believe he is being manipulated by the gun organization,” Sanchez said.  

Schools across America planned a National School Walkout April 20, the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre.

On campus some students walked out to the plaza. The event was disorganized. Many were unaware of the the purpose of the walkout.

One student said “lets take away guns,” another student confused Columbine with Colombia.

Many were not serious about the walkout, and one organizer said “if you’re not here for the ‘thing’ go back to class.”

Some good points were made about ending the silence and gun violence and letting students voices be heard. The halls were filled with students walking to the plaza. After 17  minutes, a minute for each student that died in Parkland students walked back to class.

Organizers for the  March for Our Lives movement are asking supporters to register to vote for the upcoming elections.