Claudia Hernandez, junior, holds her “#enough” sign up during the walkout. Although she was never asked to speak during the walkout, Hernandez spoke about what the walkout meant. “I’m really glad that she took charge,” said Wiseman.
On the 19 anniversary of the Columbine shooting, students participated in a walkout to protest for common sense gun laws. The walkout lasted 17 minutes in honor of the 17 students who were killed in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Students were unable to join the national walkout on March 14, the one month anniversary of the Parkland shooting, because of a previously scheduled eLearning day.
The walkout was organized by junior Sydni Wiseman through her Instagram account @jhsgunviolencewalkout. Through the account Wiseman gave updates on where to meet, what to wear, and how students could participate. “I’m like not very social in real life, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity for me to get my voice heard without actually having to speak to people,” said Wiseman, “I was scared of getting hate for it, I was scared that it would be a complete fail.” Andrew head, sophomore, helped Wiseman with her account, and Tara Eckman, a leader of One Dubois County, offered to help Wiseman make signs.
Leading up to the walkout Principal Brian Wilson sent out school wide emails notifying students of additional security measures that will be enforced at the school. The new measures include: regular drills, a second social worker, opaque LGI windows, increased entry supervision, an addition of a bullet proof film on the windows at the front entrance, and remodeling the main entrance to lead directly into the main office. A new section will also be amended in the student code of conduct for the 2018/2019 school year. This section will outline the Right of Expression for students who wish to propose future protests.
Photos by Emily Huddleston.
