In high schools across the US there has been increased attention on gun violence. After the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis Minnesota, high school students in Indianapolis decided to take action.
Students Demand Action is a national, youth-run organization that is focused on ending gun violence. North Central’s chapter is led by seniors, Nora Priest, Julia Eynon, and Lillian Tabor. They partnered with three other high school chapters including Brebeuf Jesuit, Herron, and Shortridge to plan a walkout.
On Friday, September 5 at 12 p.m. students at all four high schools walked out of class and went downtown to the State House to peacefully protest.
Students held hand-made signs and started chants to share their opinions on gun violence. Senior Lukas Faber recognized that gun violence was a topic of contention in the US and it inspired him to become a more politically active person and participate in the walkout.
“With this recent shooting being a very hot topic in the media, I just think it’s important for students to get out there and express their opinions and protest, “ Faber said.
State representatives Fady Quaddora, Ed Delaney and Gregory Porter showed their support for the movement. Senator Quaddora spoke to the entire group on the state house steps and Delaney and Porter walked around and interacted with students.
Delaney has worked against gun violence in the state house for many years. He was personally a victim of gun violence.
“You young people are doing this. I am so happy to see it, it’s hard to believe. I was in my first demonstration in the 1960s and we were young. Now it’s just heartwarming to see you out here,” Delaney said.
Representative Porter was also moved to participate in the demonstration.
“I’m sick and tired of access to guns and young people having to have gun drills versus safety. We need to have accountability regarding gun safety, period. We have to have it,” Porter said.
As high school students are the youngest generation of voters, representatives hope to see changes in gun laws for the future. Specifically, as students are the demographic affected by gun violence in schools like Annunciation, Delaney wanted to contribute.
“I came here because of the young people and I came here because the people who are affected are asking for something, and that’s good,” Delaney said.
Senior Mary Frey has also always been very passionate about students in government, especially when it comes to gun violence.
“For this issue specifically, it is important because we are the ones being directly affected by it. We are the ones in danger and also the next people that are going to be voting. It’s important to see our generation active in government,” Frey said.
Both representatives and students had high expectations for this protest and demonstrations in the future.
“I hope to see lawmakers and policy makers make actual changes and write bills into effect that will go into session,” Frey said.
With this hope, the atmosphere at the state house was a combination of the seriousness of the issue and excitement for the future from the students, parents, and lawmakers participating.
“The change I know is gonna happen is that with you all being here right now, you guys will continue and move on to graduate and move on to college and vote and participate. You can make a real change. They are trying to suppress the votes of Generation Z because they are afraid of Generation Z. You guys are quicker, you’re smarter and everything, “ Porter said.
