https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Danbury-students-walk-out-in-support-ot-peers-in-12752390.php
Greater Danbury students walk out of class in support of Florida peers
Updated 4:36 pm, Wednesday, March 14, 2018
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Conn. students participate in school walkouts
Media: Connecticut PostDANBURY — Emboldened by a spirit of solidarity, high school students walked out of their classrooms Wednesday and onto the national stage in support of changing the nation’s gun laws.
Whether students used a speaker system, as they did at the state’s largest high school in Danbury, or a bullhorn, as they did in Newtown, youth leaders made their voices heard in a bold show of support for the victims of last month’s mass shooting in Florida.
“Congress is listening, the whole world is looking at us right now, and it’s our responsibility to change the laws in this country,” student Jackson Mittleman told hundreds of classmates through a bullhorn during a mid-morning walkout at Newtown High School. “We have 2018 and 2020 to make sure that our representatives represent us in Congress and protect our rights and our lives.”
Walkouts in Danbury, Newtown and New Milford, all sanctioned by administrators, were among an estimated 3,000 school protests across the state and the country. The demonstrations, which included student-led events in Ridgefield, Bethel and Redding, marked one month since the Valentine’s Day massacre of 17 students and staff at Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School — the deadliest school shooting in America since the 2012 massacre of 26 first-graders and educators at Sandy Hook School.
New Milford junior Ivanna Torres transferred from the Florida high school in August.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High School participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High School participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Mayra Ramirez, 16, holds a sign, as students assemble in front of Danbury High School Wednesday morning. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
Mayra Ramirez, 16, holds a sign, as students assemble in front of Danbury High School Wednesday morning. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Mayra Ramirez, 16, holds a sign, as students assemble in front of Danbury High School Wednesday morning. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
Mayra Ramirez, 16, holds a sign, as students assemble in front of Danbury High School Wednesday morning. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Daniel E. Donovan, Danbury High School principal, just before the start of Wednesday's walkout. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
Daniel E. Donovan, Danbury High School principal, just before the start of Wednesday's walkout. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff, Hearst Connecticut Media
Danbury High School students walked out of class Wednesday, March 14, to show solidarity with victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Danbury High School students walked out of class Wednesday, March 14, to show solidarity with victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Photo: /
Danbury High School students walked out of class Wednesday, March 14, to show solidarity with victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Danbury High School students walked out of class Wednesday, March 14, to show solidarity with victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Photo: /
Danbury High School students walked out of class Wednesday, March 14, to show solidarity with victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Danbury High School students walked out of class Wednesday, March 14, to show solidarity with victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Photo: /
Danbury High School students walked out of class Wednesday, March 14, to show mourn victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, and press for tougher gun laws.
Danbury High School students walked out of class Wednesday, March 14, to show mourn victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, and press for tougher gun laws.
Photo: /
Hundreds of New Milford High School students filled the school’s gymnasium as part of a nationwide student walkout Wednesday, March 14, to show solidarity with victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. less
Hundreds of New Milford High School students filled the school’s gymnasium as part of a nationwide student walkout Wednesday, March 14, to show solidarity with victims of the school shooting in Parkland, ... more
Photo: / Zach Murdock /Hearst Connecticut Media
New Milford High School students gathered in the school’s gymnasium as part of a nationwide student walkout Wednesday, March 14, to show solidarity with victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
New Milford High School students gathered in the school’s gymnasium as part of a nationwide student walkout Wednesday, March 14, to show solidarity with victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Photo: / Zach Murdock /Hearst Connecticut Media
Abigail Heiden, 16, a junior at Danbury High holds a sign during during DHS’s participation in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
Abigail Heiden, 16, a junior at Danbury High holds a sign during during DHS’s participation in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High School participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High School participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Mayra Ramirez, 16, holds a sign, as students assemble in front of Danbury High School Wednesday morning. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
Mayra Ramirez, 16, holds a sign, as students assemble in front of Danbury High School Wednesday morning. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Gabriela Lillo, 17, center, a senior at Danbury High, participates in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Gabriela Lillo, 17, center, a senior at Danbury High, participates in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Mayra Ramirez, 16, holds a sign, as students assemble in front of Danbury High School Wednesday morning. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
Mayra Ramirez, 16, holds a sign, as students assemble in front of Danbury High School Wednesday morning. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Daniel E. Donovan, Danbury High School principal, just before the start of Wednesday's walkout. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
Daniel E. Donovan, Danbury High School principal, just before the start of Wednesday's walkout. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting. less
The name and biography of each victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting is read by a student Wednesday. Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the ... more
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Students at Danbury High participate in a nationwide walkout in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - one month after the school shooting.
Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
"My name is Ivanna Torres and I transferred here over the summer. Before moving here I lived in Parkland, Florida, yes that's right Parkland...on Valentine's Day at 2pm I received a message from my best friend that read "today has been such a chill day I love it", twenty minutes later I received another text, this time the message read "yo, we're on a code red." Senior Ivanna Torres, originally from Parkland, Florida, talked with fellow students about what she felt and went though on February 14th and asked people to please participate in the "March for our Lives" movement as well as the "Never Again" movement. less
"My name is Ivanna Torres and I transferred here over the summer. Before moving here I lived in Parkland, Florida, yes that's right Parkland...on Valentine's Day at 2pm I received a message from my best friend ... more
Photo: Trish Haldin
"My name is Ivanna Torres and I transferred here over the summer. Before moving here I lived in Parkland, Florida, yes that's right Parkland...on Valentine's Day at 2pm I received a message from my best friend that read "today has been such a chill day I love it", twenty minutes later I received another text, this time the message read "yo, we're on a code red." Senior Ivanna Torres, originally from Parkland, Florida, talked with fellow students about what she felt and went though on February 14th and asked people to please participate in the "March for our Lives" movement as well as the "Never Again" movement. less
"My name is Ivanna Torres and I transferred here over the summer. Before moving here I lived in Parkland, Florida, yes that's right Parkland...on Valentine's Day at 2pm I received a message from my best friend ... more
Photo: Trish Haldin
"My name is Ivanna Torres and I transferred here over the summer. Before moving here I lived in Parkland, Florida, yes that's right Parkland...on Valentine's Day at 2pm I received a message from my best friend that read "today has been such a chill day I love it", twenty minutes later I received another text, this time the message read "yo, we're on a code red." Senior Ivanna Torres, originally from Parkland, Florida, talked with fellow students about what she felt and went though on February 14th and asked people to please participate in the "March for our Lives" movement as well as the "Never Again" movement. less
"My name is Ivanna Torres and I transferred here over the summer. Before moving here I lived in Parkland, Florida, yes that's right Parkland...on Valentine's Day at 2pm I received a message from my best friend ... more
Photo: Trish Haldin
“I watched as my friends ran for their lives ... I watched as some of my friends were brought out on gurneys,” Torres told classmates packed into the gymnasium on Wednesday. “We are the future politicians of this country, the future lawmakers and the future taxpayers.”
In Danbury, more than 1,000 students walked out of class at 10 a.m. with homemade posters reading “Never Again,” “Kids Are Our Future” and “Ban the AR-15s So We Can Grow Older Than 17.”
The AR-15 is a rifle used by the shooters in Sandy Hook and Florida.
“We need stricter gun laws — we demand change and we demand it now,” Danbury high schooler Cassidy Holmes told cheering classmates. “Go out and vote, call your representative, educate yourself on these issues, speak up for what is right, and speak out for those we honor today.”
At Bethel High School, students attended a school-sponsored assembly and then — against school policy — some 100 students walked out of the building and marched around the campus.
Half of that group then marched to the municipal center, escorted by police, and met with First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker.
Madison Lemone, a senior who walked to the municipal center and registered to vote while there, said leaving the secluded school campus gave the students a better chance of being heard.
Lemone, who was in seventh grade during the Sandy Hook tragedy, met Newtown students through the New Arts theater group that formed after the shooting.
“I just remember hearing all these kids’ stories and it made me so frustrated and upset that so many of these kids had to survive all this,” she said. “And it’s not just Newtown and that's what we forget to remind ourselves about.”
Bethel administrators had warned students against protesting after the school-sponsored event. Superintendent Christine Carver said administrators will discuss possible consequences for the students, but said she recognizes why they walked out.
The event Wednesday was part of a larger student movement that includes a March 24 march on Washington, D.C., and another national school walkout organized locally by Ridgefield High School students, which is planned for April 20.
The hallmark of the student movement is its organization; students have teamed up with nonprofit gun violence prevention groups to mobilize support, and students in many schools coordinated their protests with administrators.
For example, most greater Danbury schools scheduled a short mid-morning “free period” Wednesday to support students’ demonstrations.
“I respect what they are doing,” Danbury High School Principal Dan Donovan said, standing back from the platform where student organizers were delivering speeches. “When you have a student body of Danbury High School’s size that can organize itself into one conscientious statement, that’s pretty impressive.”
The Danbury walkout included a tribute to the Florida school shooting victims. Separate speakers read short but powerful biographies of the victims — noting everything from career ambitions to personality quirks.
“We want to show that these are real people who had identities and lives that are being left behind,” said Madison Albano, 17, a student organizer. “We wanted to show that there is no change (in law) yet, and if there is no change, our communities are going to keep losing people just like this.”
Danbury High School student Taylor Hay drew cheers from peers by promising to fight every day until gun laws are changed.
“We as Americans have lost enough of our friends, our family members, our teachers, our coaches and our lives to gun violence,” Hay said. “Stricter gun laws, more thorough background checks, and bans on semi-automatic assault weapons may be just the steps we need to take us in the right direction to end this suffering that many of us have endured.”
rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342
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