Thousands of students from schools in South Florida, other regions in Florida and across the country, participated in a pre-planned school walkout on Wednesday, the anniversary of the mass shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14.
Included in the walkout were several Caribbean American students like Bridgette Murphy, 17, who was among hundreds of protesting students from the American High School in Miami Lakes. “I marched, and plan to march again on March 24 for sensible gun control laws. We are totally dissatisfied with the laws just passed by the Florida Legislature, and very, very disappointed that Congress doesn’t seem prepared to take any action at all.”
Bridgette’s parents Leon from Jamaica, and Carla from St. Lucia, said they firmly support their daughter, “and all the students taking the leadership to get local and national leaders to implement no-nonsense gun control.”
Originated from Parkland high school
Wednesday’s protests originated from students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High. The plan initially called for students to walk out of schools and hold 17-minute demonstrations in remembrance of the 17 students and staff members killed in the Feb. 14 shooting. According to reports students from over 2,500 schools across the nation, and even from schools overseas, joined in protesting lax gun control in America.
During the protests, the students called for a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and expanding background checks to all gun sales, among other proposals.
Full support of School Districts
In Broward and Miami-Dade County, the walk-out, had the full support of the School Districts. Parents of students in both districts received letters in recent days informing of the Districts’ support for the walk-out and allowing the students to engage in peaceful, supervised protest. In both districts teachers and other staff were instructed to monitor and supervise the protest. Law enforcement personnel were also sought to monitor the respective walk-out protest.
While in Broward some students walked out and marched outside of school campuses, in Miami-Dade students were allowed to demonstrate on school grounds, but not to leave campus.
Miami Beach Senior High School stands with Douglas. We support the #NeverAgain movement and we will fight until we get change. Those 17 lives were not lost in vain. #NationalWalkoutDay pic.twitter.com/oDwuIj9UCv
— Lore (@hboolover) March 14, 2018
Superintendent Carvalho joins protest
In Miami, Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools joined the student protest at iPrep Academy. Expressing his support for the protest he spoke out against gun violence that has killed several young people in the county, while emphasizing “There is no place in a peaceful America for an AR-15.”
Largest protest at Marjory Stone Douglas High
As expected, the largest protest in South Florida was held at Marjory Stone Douglas High in Parkland. According to Leslie Trott, a Caribbean-American parent who attends the school and hand to watch the protest, “The entire student body and staff walked out on to the school’s football field, where they joined in a large circle depicting the peace sign, to remember and mourn their deceased classmates.”
After the planned 17-minutes elapsed most of the students marched to nearby Pine Trails Park, where they joined students from neighboring Westglades Middle School. At the park several young speakers reiterated their commitment to continuing seeking appropriate gun control legislation from local and federal politicians.
Superintendent lauds protestors
Speaking following the walk-outs, Broward County School Superintendent Robert Runcie said, “Today, our students clearly made their voices heard. Already, their leadership has been pivotal in approval of recent state legislation against gun use, and increased school security.” Of the walkouts, he said, “Everything was done peacefully. There’s no incident I am aware of.” He also thanked law enforcement for their support and participation in ensuring the protests were secure.
