City, South East Students Plan Walkout Against Gun Violence
Art by Estie Dillard.
February 18, 2018
With over 15 school shootings since the start of 2018, students at South East Junior High and City High School have coordinated a walkout taking place Monday, February 19th, 2018 at 11 a.m.
“The silence from politicians in response to these horrific incidents over and over again is deafening, and we’re sick and tired of hearing about these shootings happening with no action,” said Esti Brady ’20. “It’s like the people in power don’t see this as their problem. And we, as students, are paying the price for their lack of action. [We’re] going to show them that is where that ends.”
Although the walkout has already been scheduled, students are worried that the weather could disrupt the event.
“I just want to have people caution themselves while doing this. It’s high traffic areas with possible storms,” said Teagan Roeder ’18. “I frankly just want to send out a powerful message for the best effect.”
Principal John Bacon is also planning on having a moment of silence for the 17 students that were killed in the most recent school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the immediate inspiration for this walkout.
Bihotza James-Lejarcegui ’18, who was involved in planning the walkout, is inspired by the students’ activism.
“It’s admirable that junior high students are taking initiatives to speak out and show the administration, the school district, and most importantly our politicians where they stand with gun violence,” said James-Lejarcegui. “And everyone should encourage and support them.”
James-Lejarcegui and other students across the Iowa City High Schools are planning to write letters, call state representatives, and register students to vote.
“Most importantly, we want to make sure students are aware of which politicians are voting against gun reform and are being funded by the NRA,” she said. “Because it is in our power to vote them out and they are just as guilty as the shooter themselves if they gain money by putting guns into the hands of mentally ill people and risk our lives.”
City High students plan to walk to South East and meet junior high students there, then march to the Old Capitol together. They will be making posters during second period in the City High library.
We will be updating this story as more information is made available.
Geoff • Feb 22, 2018 at 1:19 pm
Students, what you did, while some would consider brave, is the most idiotic and asinine event you could be part of, short of eating laundry detergent. No one will ever take your generation seriously, especially when you do not have the facts.
Parents, good job continuing to be enablers. Be responsible and accountable. Change starts with you, embrace it, do something about your dysfunctional children, get involved. Our children need our guidance and direction to steer them through life. As-is, most of you are failing, good job.
Ira Upin • Feb 19, 2018 at 3:32 pm
I think students across the nation should stay home from school for days not hours. At 69 I remember having a walk out in high school in the early 60’s over what was being served in the lunchroom. It lasted about 20 minutes. The monumentality of what children face now is unimaginable and demands a major statement of protest. Automatic weapons should be banned from personal ownership – period. Kids should make that sentiment known in a way that gets the nations attention. Don’t go to school until the government responds.
LeeAnn Hanson Dixon • Feb 19, 2018 at 3:16 pm
Keep the energy going! You can make a difference!
Jennifer Murphy • Feb 19, 2018 at 3:09 pm
I’m so proud of our Iowa City students. Maybe they can cause the change in policy that us adults cannot seem to do!
Jake • Feb 19, 2018 at 12:07 pm
Wow just wow
Sheryl Prestemon • Feb 19, 2018 at 11:53 am
We definitely need a ban on assault weapons
Tyler Priest • Feb 19, 2018 at 10:47 am
Way to go Little Hawks. Proud and inspired by your mobilization.