Nationwide, individuals and groups are coming together regarding gun violence in schools after the fatal school shooting in Parkland, Florida that ended with 17 deaths.
The shooting took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School briefly before school was released. Zachary Cruz, the accused shooter, used the fire alarm as a strategy to lure out students before taking fire on campus, according to news reports.
One victim, Kayden Hanafi, claimed that he heard gunshots then saw classmates running out of a nearby building. Many made claims that sounds were “like firecrackers.” Nicole Baltzer, 18, a student attending the high school explained the event and included that the police had told her to keep her eyes remained shut in leaving the scene.
Some students posted accounts of the event on social media and some tweeted in response of the event. “Love each other,” one student tweeted. “You may never know when it may be the last day you see someone.”
Protests have occurred statewide and nationwide urging lawmakers to ensure the safety of not just individuals in our schools, but violence to individuals outside schools too. Students at William Peace University are also concerned about safety after the shooting.
“If schools aren’t safe, nowhere is safe,” says WPU freshman Makayla Mays. “I think it’s very upsetting. I’m kind of angry about it. There’s been eight shootings just this year and there’s still a slow process of things being done to prevent them.”
According to Fox 13 News, Parkland was recently named the safest town in Florida. The stricken community is pulling together to recover the best that they can together, and not only making attempts statewide, but also making attempts to make changes in the government nationwide.
Florida students and teachers have gone so far as rallying and protesting for gun laws and restriction regulations at the Capitol, along with creating awareness nationwide. Students are speaking out in conferences and on media making attempts to create a change.
Gloria Smith, a freshman at WPU, fears the shooting will soon be forgotten before changes are implemented.
“People aren’t even surprised anymore,” said Smith. “Nothing is being done, people feel sorry, apologies and condolences are given, and the issue is pushed away until it happens again.”
Background checks and mental health checks for gun owners have also become a controversial topic that has come up in the midst of the shootings. Counseling and moves to address bullying are also being promoted.
“I feel everyone has the right to have a gun, but it shouldn’t be easy,” said Rakeem Williams, WPU senior. “If guns are going to be accessible, places better be sure that there is security in public areas enough to protect and keep individuals safe.”
Communities all throughout the United States are coming together through this issue and questions and discussions not just about gun policy, but prevention of these events in schools all together are being aroused.
“It’s insane, its crazy, but it’s expected in today’s society,” says Willams. “It’s become a norm. Schools should have tighter securities. It’s happened too many times and we expect it, so schools should prepare to expect it.”