The Power of National Student Led Movement #NeverAgain

Enough is enough. On February 14, 2018, the largest high school shooting took place in Parkland, Florida. It has sparked outrage and fear, as well as determination and valor. Survivors of the tragedy were moved to start the #NeverAgain movement, calling lawmakers and politicians for better gun control. Since then the movement has spread nationwide. As a form of a peaceful protest, on March 14, 2018, students across the country planned a walkout at 10 a.m for 17 minutes of silence, one minute for each fallen victim.

One survivor, Delaney Tar, explains, “This movement, created by students, led by students, is based on emotion. It is based on passion and it is based on pain...We are not afraid of losing money, we’re not afraid of getting re-elected or not getting re-elected, we have nothing to lose. The only thing we have to gain at this point is our safety.”

Tar further added, “So this is to every lawmaker out there:...we are coming after every single one of you and demanding that you take action, demanding that you make a change.”

Tar’s concerns about student safety and demanding change were a focal point in gathering the support of other students and building the momentum of this movement. Matthew Lee, a student who participated in the walkout at Brooklyn Technical High School, resonated similar beliefs.

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Lee says, “I chose to participate in the student walkout because I wanted to experience and be a part of something so empowering, controversial and courageous. As a part of a generation that will be able to vote soon, it is very important that we begin to notice problems in our society. These problems are not problems that will go away, we must work to fix them. We must speak up and raise our voices to be heard. Our voices will not be silenced by lawmakers. We need to end gun violence, and prevent end such tragedies from occurring again.”

Mayor de Blasio of NYC has stood in solidarity with students who chose to participate in the walkout. In a town hall meeting, De Blasio was asked about amnesty for students who planned to participate. De Blasio responded that students who would limited their absence only to the 17 minute event, “would be respected.”

He further shared his opinions regarding the walkout, “I respect it. If I was a high school student today, I’d be walking out — there’s no question about it. This is too important of a moment in history to try to hold back the desire of our young people to seek fundamental change and to protect themselves.”

Unfortunately, students across the states do not have this support and liberty. Some students have been threatened with suspensions or be penalized for their choice to participate in the walkout to express their freedom of speech.

Regardless of the penalizations students may face in choosing to participate in the student walkout, #NeverAgain has proven the power, fortitude and spirit of high school students. #NeverAgain has not only brought attention to an essential message, but linked students across the nation as a powerful force to be reckoned with.