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for one thing,” Holland said. “You can't always know where something is coming from, we don't know On Feb. 15, the day after the about home lives or anything like events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas that. Yes, you can tell kids to report High School in Parkland, Florida, it. But that's not always going to work Superintendent Gary Niehaus posted a out (in the way they hope it would).” message to his online blog addressing Sophomore Sydney Agius the district. This message was forwarded agrees with Holland on the issue to parents and students. that the district is responding in an “Like schools and districts across appropriate matter. the nation,” Niehaus wrote, “GPPSS is “They’re taking a good stance on working diligently to do everything in gun control,” Agius said. “They’re our power to provide a safe and secure doing what they can to keep us safe learning environment.” and I definitely think they’re doing Niehaus specified improvements and all of the right things.” modifications in his post Along with which may be put in the new safety place within the coming protocol, Niehaus months in his message. outlined a few These include, things students but are not limited can do to help the to, drill practices, situation. further training Niehaus teachers for emergency also said that situations and security the district is enhancements in Dr. Gary Niehaus encouraging buildings across the SUPERINTENDENT students to district. report warning On the Monday following mid- signs they may see in other winter break, Niehaus said that the students to parents, counselors or school board decided to bring back the other staff members. Compliance 1 program, which was the Also placing belief in parents, 2015-2016 evaluation of school security Niehaus asks that they talk to their and safety. children frequently about things in “Most everybody that's a parent school that may be worrying them. and most everybody that’s a teacher He also asks that students not let and most of our students, this is on the people into the school building and frontburner right now,” Niehaus said. help by keeping doors closed and “I think we’ve all tried to put it on the locked. Niehaus stresses that all of backburner but then another incident the new policies are important to the happens and it comes back to the safety of students, physical security frontburner all over again. We have to changes especially. reevaluate how we do things.” However, he said that The Grosse Pointe Woods and communication between the student Grosse Pointe Farms police chiefs also body and administration is vital, met with the school board, filling them despite the shortcomings students in on what law enforcement knows and like Holland believe such an idea discussing ways to keep the Grosse may hold. Pointe Schools safe. “If you see something — if Senior Will Holland said that he you know something — pass it believes the superintendent’s address is along,” Niehaus said. “That’s the effective but that, in regards to students one thing that keeps all of us safe. reporting warning signs in other I want to make sure that kids feel students, the plan is flawed. safe. That’s our main priority and “I think they're right in doing what our greatest necessity.” they're saying they're going to do except
@thenorthpointe www.northpointenow.org
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We have to reevaluate how we do things.
VOLUME 50 | ISSUE 12
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By Zoe Graves, Syeda Rizvi & Hannah Zalewski PAGE EDITORS Sophomore Mason Nelson moved from Florida to Michigan this year. As the news of the shooting in Parkland reached him, he inquired about his friend’s whereabouts — a friend who went to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School — the same high school where gunfire killed 17 people. Gun culture is something that varies from state to state. America, though one nation, has plenty of opinions regarding guns, resulting in various developing “gun cultures.” According to a 2015 Columbia University study published by Injury Prevention Journal, there were 357 million guns in the U.S. in 2013. Alaska was first in gun ownership with 62 percent of its residents owning a firearm. Michigan tied with Vermont for 31st at 29 percent. Despite Michigan being in the middle of the list, guns are still an important part of life for some in this state. According to Nelson, it is a cultural norm for many to own a gun in Florida. Since his move, he noticed it is much harder for people to acquire guns in Michigan. Despite recent events, Nelson is not an advocate for guns, nor is he antigun. He said he is neutral about the matter. “Guns don’t kill people. People kill people,” Nelson said. “If you take guns away from the good people, bad people are
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always going to have guns. Criminals will still have guns.” Sophomore Tessa Bessette moved from Pennsylvania to Michigan and said she noticed a significant difference between the gun cultures of the two states. Bessette moved when she was in sixth grade from a small town that was “very progun.” After moving to Michigan, the main thing she noticed was the many differences in opinions. “I wouldn’t say it was violent (in Pennsylvania), but if someone had their gun out in public, they wouldn't really hide it. It would just be in their waistband,” Bessette said. “It was normal because I knew almost everyone there, so it wasn’t really ‘I don’t know them, they’re a danger.’ I just saw their gun, and I was like, ‘Oh, okay. That’s a gun. Right there.’” But in Michigan, Bessette said she encountered a diversity of opinion: she met many people who were either pro- or anti-gun. Social studies teacher Barry Mulso grew up in Rochester and was often around guns because many of his family members were hunters. He believes guns serve a purpose when used properly. 5 6
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process, which is unusual because some schools across the country are punishing students for participating. Murray initially expressed her interest in North students creating their own walkout by speaking to student leaders at the Student Association meeting on Feb. 28 and by meeting with Ciaramitaro to confirm her vision for the walkout. Ciaramitaro has also been collaborating with Murray to ensure students are not punished for participating in the walkout. This walkout is set to be one of the biggest student-led events of the year for North. Walkouts are not only scheduled for high schools, but also the three middle schools within the district as well. Murray said she is impressed with the leadership exemplified by the students who planned it and is hoping it will go according to plan. “I have great faith that North students are going to do this,” Murray said. “They are going to do this in a way that honors victims and also highlights what sort of student advocates we have here.”
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decision about whether or not to walk out.” Some students throughout the North community have also expressed concerns in walking out because they think it will not instigate change. Although Ciaramitaro agrees the walkout is only a prelim-inary action towards instigating change, she still thinks it is an important SC HO step our OL W AL s c h o ol KO UT should take. “There are so many more things we can do,” Ciaramitaro said. “We can write letters to our representatives, we can go and lobby to our representatives, and there are multiple, multiple ways, and (students) can go do those. This is just the first step we are taking.” North’s administration has also been heavily involved in the planning
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BAND AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT March 25 at 3 p.m. at Orchestra Hall
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into the school’s schedule. “It is post TV announcements, it is not in the middle of an hour, and it gives us enough time to perhaps get out to the football field and then participate in the activities and return to class before the end of the hour,” Murray said. For the students who do not walk out, there will be six classrooms on the second floor for them to go to. This raises concerns among students like freshman Annaliese Thomas, who is not planning on participating. “Having our teachers walk out without us pressures us to also walk out, too,” Thomas said. “Students should be able to make their own
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MEET THE COACHES Tuesday, March 20 from 6-7 p.m. in the cafeteria
By Nick Asimakis & Michael Hartt STAFF REPORTERS alkouts around the country have become a way for students to advocate changes to reduce gun violence in schools and to remember the students lost in the Parkland, Florida shooting. Senior Eva Ciaramitaro, who is leading the walkout at North today, March 14, is hoping to accomplish some of the same goals, but with a few changes Students that are participating will leave third hour at 10 a.m. Ten minutes are set aside for the walk to thew football field. Then, students will sit outside for 17 minutes, one minute for each victim of the Parkland shooting. Those who participate will hear speakers discuss the objectives for the event decided upon by administartion and student-organizers: honoring the victims of Parkland, rallying against school violence and advocating for resources to ensure safe and secure buildings. When it is over, students will have 10 minutes to return to the building for fourth hour. Principal Kate Murray said the official walkout timing fits perfectly
#ENOUGH NATIONAL
WINTER SPORTS AWARDS Monday, March 19 from 7-9 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center
WEDNESDAY, MARCH. 14, 2018
Admin, students organize district walkout
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“You know I’ve got hammers in my garage, too. They are tools used to do a certain thing. That's how guns were for me,” Mulso said. “They have never been an object of fascination or anything like that. It's a gun. You use them to hunt. You use them to protect yourself if necessary.” Bessette and Mulso agree that assault-style weapons should not be available for public purchase. According to Mulso, weapons of that type do not serve a purpose in America today whatsoever other than to kill. Despite the various cultures they’ve experienced, Mulso, Bessette and Nelson agree that something needs to change in the way guns are handled and sold in America. Bessette believes the answer is to make the qualifications to obtain a gun more selective. “Criminals should not get guns. People with mental disorders shouldn’t get guns,” Bessette said. “I feel like there should be more limitations and certifications you should have.”
NEWS
2 – Wednesday, March 14, 2018 – North Pointe
Police coordinate with district in wake of school shooting As junior Maria DiSanto walked the halls on Thursday, Feb. 15, one day after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, she felt a usual sense of safety at the sight of security guards. At the same time however, she felt as though the guards were only there as a result of the previous day’s events. “I've always felt very safe at North. It is scary knowing what could happen, but I feel security at North, and it is very strong,” she said. DiSanto also saw police officers from the Grosse Pointe Woods Police Department. In a district-wide attempt to promote positive relations between the police and students this year, administration has invited local police to station themselves at the school more often. Math teacher Julie Pappas said the police presence adds more security and even more officers would be beneficial. “I feel like there's good communication between the school and the police department,” Pappas said. “I think it would actually reduce the amount of other issues that we might have.” Since the security guards at North aren’t armed they don’t go through extensive training. Police, however, prepare and train for
active shooter situations, according to Detroit Police Department Sergeant Otha Craighead. Craighead added that teachers should also be familiar with police procedures so they can teach students what to expect. Some law enforcement, including the Grosse Pointe Woods Police Department, have a Special Weapons and Tactics Team trained in depth for emergencies like an active shooter incident. Westland Police Department police officer David Archambeau said the team goes over school and building layouts. They also reenact active shooter incidents using simunitions, a more realistic version of a paintball gun. Although officers are in charge of protecting students, they need them to alert administrators and police about suspicious behavior. Pappas said classroom phones have an emergency number to the district administrative building that alerts police. Because GPPD doesn’t have staff specifically assigned to the schools, Archambeau said a school resource officer could help manage activity and monitor criminal cases. Grosse Pointe Public Safety directors Dan Jensen and John Kosanke agree and said GPPSS should hire a resource officer, Grosse Pointe News reported. Archambeau said it’s also important to have a social media presence to investigate
suspicious behavior online. He said schools will focus more on security following the incident in Parkland. “I think that they’ll move more funding to school safety,” Archambeau said. “My opinion is that if you restrict certain weapons, then a mass shooter will find another way to do it. Whether it be guns or anything, you always have to be prepared.” Although local police prepare for active shooter situations, DiSanto said no amount of practice or simulation can prepare students or teachers for real-life emergencies. She said knowing the best place to be in the classroom and remembering the procedures can help. Knowing how police handle a situation can also make their job of protecting us easier. “It's really important for every kid to know what to do in that situation,” DiSanto
said. “Because things can get hectic when there's screaming or gunshots.” Contributing: Rory Angott & Maggie Carron
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I've always felt very safe at North. It is scary knowing what would happen, but I feel security at North, and is very strong. Maria DiSanto JUNIOR
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By Michal Ruprecht, Abi Murray & Cairington Stahl EDITOR -AT-LARGE & STAFF REPORTERS
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Measures to secure schools proposed at national, local level By Lindsey Ramsdell, Sonny Mulpuri & Billy Steigelman EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, WEB MANAGING EDITOR & WEB EDITOR
As students nationwide lead the call for change regarding gun control, Congress has revisited and proposed approaches to gun violence in America. Ideas to implement more rigorous background checks and ban bump stocks
ARMED SCHOOL PERSONNEL Shortly after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, President Trump stated his support for arming highly trained teachers to lessen the casualties that can occur. While the President and the National Rifle Association have pushed the idea and even suggested a bonus to those who go through the proper training, many teachers have been hesitant. Glen Young, a teacher at Petoskey High School and a gun owner, recently said in the Detroit Free Press that instead of arming teachers with guns, the focus should be on equipping schools with more counselors and mental health professionals. Junior Dominic Hadley agrees that we shouldn’t be arming our teachers but said that having more security around the school would help. “I feel like we should have protection at our school,” Hadley said. “But at the same time I think instead of having teachers having guns, I think we should have on-patrol police officers and security that get interviewed so we know if they are stable.” While many have expressed their concern with letting teachers carry guns in school, some have already taken action. On Feb. 28, Randal Davidson, a teacher at Dalton High School in Georgia was arrested after he barricaded himself in his classroom and fired a shot out the interior window of his room, according to CNN. The event happened after the principal tried to unlock the door of Davidson’s room because he wouldn’t let students in. Fox News reported that the Sidney and Mad River school districts near Dayton, Ohio already train teachers and other staff to handle guns and have guns hidden throughout the school only accessible to those trained in their use. Hadley also believes that in order to prepare students if a tragedy like this would transpire, that students should be prepared through lockdown drills and knowing what to do if a shooter enters a classroom. “What would you do if you didn't have it?” Hadley said. “If you didn’t have protection in school, how many more lives could be lost because of that?”
METAL DETECTORS After nearly every mass shooting, schools consider installing metal detectors. But, it is a costly option. According to the National Institute of Justice, to set up a school metal detection program, the moderately priced models range from $4,000 to $5,000. Multiple detectors would have to be installed in a single school to make the process efficient, and this would have to be implemented across the district. This adds up to a sizable price tag. But, to lessen the cost placed on schools, some representatives have voiced support for a bill providing federal grant money to schools which would be used towards installation. Although any bill regarding metal detectors is not yet on the floor, Representative Kay Granger from Texas, among others, are making plans to draft one soon. They say that in order to receive grant money, districts would just need to submit a plan for how many detectors they would need and where they would be placed. In the United States, metal detectors are most commonly used on a daily basis in large urban school districts with a chronic history of weapons-related offenses. But, almost all representatives that have shown support for metal detectors say that they are just one layer of protection that is needed to secure schools against shootings. Opponents of metal detectors point out their possible effects on the school atmosphere. Some say that it could feel “prison-like,” which is not conducive to learning. Junior Ramsha Rizvi used to attend school in Canada. Instead of metal detectors, her school implemented a system after the Sandy Hook shooting that required all students to go through an informal inspection when they entered the school. The students pressed a buzzer that let them into the school via the main office so they could keep track of everyone that came in and out. While this wasn’t a big deal for Rizvi, she would’ve liked more clarification about the change. “The thing is, the kids in the school, they didn’t know why it was being put up because shootings weren’t really a thing for us,” she said. “I didn’t hear about them until I moved here (America) that shootings are a really big deal.”
are being rehashed, while new ideas, like raising the gun ownership eligibility age to 21 and arming teachers are finding footing. Since the 2012 mass shooting at an elementary school in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, more than 100 gun control bills have been introduced to Congress, but none have passed. However, the reinvigorated push for legislation has some
more confident that the time for change is here. There are currently two bills on the f loor that could get a vote, and more in the works. However, the timeline is uncertain. Here’s what you need to know about the most popular approaches to gun control and student safety.
RESTRICTING ASSAULT WEAPONS/ACCESSORIES
MORE RIGOROUS BACKGROUND CHECKS
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Variants of the semi-automatic AR-15 were used in the mass killings in a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado and at Sandy Hook Elementary School, San Bernardino, Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs, Orlando and Parkland. AR-15 rifles shoot small, but high-velocity .223-caliber rounds that often shatter inside victims’ bodies, creating more devastating injuries than wounds typically left by larger, but lower-velocity handgun rounds. Senior River Kirklin’s father is a Wayne County Sheriff, so he has had plenty of experience with various guns like an AK-47, KSG and the AR-15. “The AR-15 is just another rifle. It's personally one of my favorite because of the accuracy and range you can shoot at,” River Kirklin said. “It’s a low recoil and one of my favorites, and I’ve been shooting it since I was 12.” Along with the AR-15, the recent shootings have shown that other types of rifles have also been used. A Mini-14 and an MCX, rifles that fire the same cartridge as the AR-15 and compete with it for market share, were used in the mass shootings in Norway in 2011 and in Orlando, Florida in June 2016. Bump stocks, attachments that can be added to semiautomatic rifles so that they fire faster, were found in the hotel room following the Las Vegas shooting. Bump stocks aren’t currently banned under federal law even though they allow a weapon to fire at nearly the rate of a machine gun without technically converting it to a fully automatic firearm. Like Kirklin, senior Tony Golia is the son of a police officer. He, too, has had experiences with various guns. Although he has never used one, Golia believes that bump stocks are more practical to use at gun ranges to just have fun with and shouldn’t be used for much more. “There’s really no place for them in society. I will say that. It is more of a work around way to get your hands on a weapon that could shoot faster than a semi-automatic,” Golia said. “I do see why people have a problem with it. I’m not super for bump stocks. It’s not really something we need. I can understand that, but I think that because it is a Second Amendment right, I’m not going to shun someone because they have one, either.” The House and Senate Republicans, along with President Trump, say that banning bump stocks probably wouldn't be done by law but by regulation, as the NRA prefers. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said it doesn’t have the authority to do so, either. Because of special licensing required, obtaining a fully automatic weapon costs upwards of $30,000. In most cases, one needs at least a Class III manufacturer’s license to own a fully automatic weapon. Kirklin doesn’t want the ban on semi- or fully automatic weapons or bump stocks to affect his passion for guns but understands that it could save innocent lives. “I would perceive that as them hurting our rights kind of because it’s not our right to have a semi-automatic gun, but it’s not our right to not have one,” Kirklin said. “If you were to limit guns, I think it would hinder what the country was built on. But I believe everyone should be able to own a gun if they are mentally fit because it is a fundamental right.”
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Congress is currently prioritizing a bipartisan bill called the Fix NICS Act. The National Instant Criminal Background Check System is legislation that was put in place in 1998. It requires all prospective gun owners to fill out a form that asks them to report information such as felonies and misdemeanors, drug use, mental illnesses or dishonorable discharge from the military. The seller then submits the information to the FBI, and the agency checks the applicant's info against databases. The process can take from a few minutes up to a few days. Since its creation, there have been approximately 230 million NICS background checks, and of those, 1.2 million denials. However, the main issue that people have with the current NICS system is that it leaves open several loopholes. The first arises from the fact that only dealers licensed by the ATF are mandated to perform background checks. This leaves private sellers unaccounted for. People can avoid a background check by going through this “private sales loophole.” However, Golia doesn’t think that this loophole is very substantial. “No matter how much money you throw at someone, they’re not going to take that risk of selling you a gun. That’s a federal offense,” he said. Yet, there are other loopholes that make it possible for people to get guns without going through the full process. The “Charleston loophole” occurs when NICS marks a document as “delayed” but does not approve or deny it in three days. When this happens, the seller can sell to a buyer without the background check being completed. The third loophole results when different agencies fail to submit records to the FBI databases. A 2015 Pentagon report uncovered that the military had failed to report the rulings of 30 percent of cases handled in military courts. This loophole can let people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to purchase a gun fall through the cracks. The Air Force veteran responsible for the shooting in Sutherland, Texas and others in the 2007 Virginia Tech University massacre are among these. The Fix NICS Act would more strongly enforce the current system by applying penalties to agencies that fail to report records to NICS. It could withhold pay from political appointees who don’t upload relevant information and also establishes new measures to verify what they do provide. A version of the Fix NICS Act has passed the House but hasn’t seen much movement in the Senate. Yet the main opponents of background checks claim that the current system and any further additions to it are infringements on constitutional rights. Some claim that it prohibits them from exercising their Second Amendment rights and having to prove their innocence through background checks is against American justice principles. Although his family are gun owners, Kirklin sees the benefits of stronger background check systems. “I would understand if there was stricter laws put into place making it more difficult to get the guns such as (making) background checks more in-depth, just a longer process,” Kirklin said. “I would totally be in favor of that because I don’t think the mentally ill should be able to have guns.”
EDITORIAL
North Pointe – Wednesday, March 14, 2018 – 3
OUR EDITORIAL
Protesting gun control at the district level SOPHIE KEHRIG
Our responsibility As mostly non-voting members of society, it seems ironic that students are now the ones leading the push for changes regarding gun legislation. It has taken Congress too long to make schools, movie theaters, churches and concerts safe places for everyone, so now we must advocate for our own lives. But this means nothing without the support of local and state officials who can carry our message to the national stage. As the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students who protested outside their state capitol said, we will be the generation for change, but only if our representatives will listen. Students’ voices have quickly become the most prominent ones calling for reform, but they shouldn’t stand alone. Right now, it seems as if the children of America have become the leaders, while the leaders have become the children. By deeming this a students’ revolution, it feels as though our representatives are trying to cop out of their duty to protect their constituents, placing the burden on us. The discussion surrounding gun control expands far beyond the mass tragedies we have seen scattered across the country. Detroit was ranked the #1 most violent city in the U.S. in the FBI’s 2016 Uniform Crime report. The report considers data such as the number of murders, assaults, rapes and robberies within a city. Blood is being spilled in our own backyards at an alarmingly high rate, as well. While this situation feels unfair, we must make the most of it. If we want reform, it will take our valiant effort. Most citizens exercise their civic duty through voting, but most students don’t have that ability. So, we must look to other methods. The North Pointe Editorial Board encourages students to use every opportunity in their power to take those initial steps in calling for reform. Use social media to spread the message, contact our representatives and take part in demonstrations (see page 8). These are just a few of the ways we can project our voices. Whether you chose to walk out or stay inside, we should all agree that today’s event is just a start. This effort doesn’t end today when we return for fourth hour. It doesn’t end in a few weeks when the news organizations stop giving so much coverage to the aftermath of the Parkland shooting. It doesn’t end until Congress has passed a cohesive plan to prevent citizens from being gunned down in public places. Until that happens, we must keep pressuring them to take action.
Today's walkout The event taking place today is not a student-led protest for gun control. It is akin to a pep rally controlled by administration and adopted by wellmeaning student leaders. While it is admirable that our administration supports the First Amendment rights of students, it seems almost as if they are just pushing their talking points on student organizers who are new to creating grassroots movements. They probably meant well to ensure order at the event and ease for the attendance office, but their actions ultimately censored the intended message of the walkout. We realize we are fortunate to have a district that is cognizant of current events and willing to provide a platform for some students to voice their opinions. It is a reality that there are schools across America that will be punishing student protesters today. But the nature of this district-orchestrated — but apparently student-run — protest has raised some red flags with students. According to the official sponsors of the #Enough National Walkout (the same group that organized the Women’s Marches), the premise is not just to “honor the victims” and “promote school safety,” as the school district stated in an email to students and parents, but to “protest Congress’ inaction” and “demand” that they pass federal gun reform legislation.
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“Grosse Pointe Public School administrators and teachers are responsible for encouraging and ensuring freedom of expression and freedom of the press for all students, regardless of whether the ideas expressed may be considered unpopular, critical, controversial, tasteless or offensive.” BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY Abbey Cadieux EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Lindsey Ramsdell EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Alex Harring MANAGING EDITOR
Rory Angott PAGE EDITOR
Sofia Ketels PAGE EDITOR
Syeda Ri PAGE EDITOR
Arzoo Chhaya STAFF REPORTER
Michael Hartt STAFF REPORTER
Amelia Nowicki STAFF REPORTER
Charles Bernas INTERN
Caitlin Bush MANAGING EDITOR Zoe Graves PAGE EDITOR Hannah Zalewski PAGE EDITOR
Our editorial represents the opinion of the North Pointe Editorial Board consisting of the editors above. Members who have a conflict of interest with an editorial topic do not partake in that meeting or vote.
Words as strong and passionate as these are nowhere to be found in the three objectives the district approved for our “walkout.” Ours is not the same protest as the National Walkout happening today. It addresses some of the concerns of the #ENOUGH walkout but it should not be held at the same time — or even on the same day — because the goals of the national protest and the district-wide event do not fully align. It is disrespectful to the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas and organizers of the National Walkout to tale the setting without the message. If we are going to do this, we should be all in. Still, we commend the district on doing something. Many districts have shut down any kind of protest altogether. The organizers of our school “walkout” have blurred the lines of the message, but students can read between them. When the public hears about students standing solemnly outside their schools across the country, they are not just going to think those students are honoring victims and expressing concern. They are going to see students nationwide that want gun reform and want it now. However, Grosse Pointe students should not have to use their imaginations when participating in a protest that is allegedly created by them, for them. There should not have to be doublespeak about something that was explicitly meant for student voices. We understand why the district felt the need to step in, as this is uncharted territory for students and adults alike. But we are disappointed that the planning process has been mostly taken out of students’ hands. This is supposed to create a disruption of classes. It should be seen by community members and the world, not tucked away in the back of campus on the football field. And most importantly, it is supposed to make people feel uncomfortable. Discomfort is the best way to bring attention to issues and stimulate change. But, planning weeks in advance and giving students guidelines and watered-down objectives for the “walkout” has made it much more comfortable and, by extension, ineffective. This is supposed to be political. That is what the district and student organizers missed. Our right to peaceful protest and assembly is not a luxury. It is our right. The problem of gun control has been unceremoniously handed off to today’s teens, so let us exercise our rights — on our own terms. Although the Grosse Pointe “walkout” strays from what was intended for the national one, we encourage students to participate with a critical eye. Think about what this event really stands for and listen to the entire student body — not just those who have been handpicked to represent us. Don't let your compliance turn into silence. Whether this “walkout” is truly democratic or not, in the end it is our generation that will be leading the national revolution for gun control.
What we don't want Since students are — whether we wanted it or not — leading safety and gun reform in schools, it’s important that our opinions are valued in the policy-making process. There have been an array of suggestions brought to the table about how to make schools more secure against shooters, and although we appreciate that efforts towards change are being taken, as an Editorial Board there are some things that we don’t need or want. Increasing the number of guns on campus via armed teachers and guards seems counterintuitive. You can’t solve a school shooting problem by making guns more accessible to students. Arming teachers is an especially outrageous approach to school safety. The Board unanimously voted against this proposition at their last meeting. Even with proper training, teachers are still not going to be skilled enough to stop an active shooter. The New York Police Department, whose officers have years of shooting experience, has only a 15 percent accuracy rate when it comes to hitting moving targets. It’s crazy to think that teachers could do any better. This comes without even addressing the costs and liabilities that come
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POINTE
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Abbey Cadieux, Lindsey Ramsdell MANAGING EDITORS: Caitlin Bush, Alex Harring EDITORS-AT-LARGE: Anna Post, Michal Ruprecht BUSINESS MANAGER: Allison Lackner WEBSITE MANAGING EDITOR: Sonny Mulpuri WEBSITE EDITORS: Erin Kaled, Billy Steigelman PAGE EDITORS: Rory Angott, Amber Braker, Zoe Graves, Sofia Ketels, Katelynn Mulder, Syeda Rizvi, Katie Thomas, Hannah Zalewski STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Marina Gabriel, Jillian LaPere, Rachel Malinowski, Alyssa McLarty, Ashley Sexton, Nya Tatum, Kennedy Williams STAFF REPORTERS: Nick Asimakis, Elizabeth Ballinger, Arzoo Chhaya, Jordan Craighead, Michael Hartt, Sophie Kehrig, Mariah Loper, Brooklyn McWhorter, Taylor Mitchell, Abi Murray, Amelia Nowicki, Adam Schwartz, Sarah Shanley, Cairington Stahl, Benjamin Uram, Emily Widgren INTERNS: Amelia Abraham, JoAnna Alexander, Charlie Bernas, Aundrianna Boles, Savannah Burguron, Maggie Carron, Nadia Fama, Colin Haroutunian, Donald Hightower,
with arming teachers. As our district still faces a budget deficit, coming up with the money to arm, train and insure teachers is unrealistic. Metal detectors in schools have come up time and time again after school shootings. However, the majority of our Editorial Board feels that this is an unnecessary action. Metal detectors are costly and inefficient. No matter how many detectors are installed, it is going to take some time to get every student through them each day. Not only could this cut into class time, but it would also create a hostile school atmosphere. There are much more reasonable ways to secure the school entrances. North is fortunate that, currently, all our doors are locked during school hours, save for the main entrance. Schools across the district should have the same level of security.
What we need Although the school tries to keep stragglers who arrive to school late in one place by having them enter through the main office, there is a flaw in this system: other students. It is a common gesture for students to open locked-from-the-outside entrances to the school so late arrivals can avoid getting smacked with a detention slip. What these students fail to realize, however, is that opening doors for other students can be fatal. While it seems like a courteous thing to do for a fellow student, this is a reckless move that could endanger the entire school. You never know what the intentions are of the person you open the door for. With this in mind, the North Pointe Editorial Board is strongly in favor of having a hall monitor or security guard stationed at each entrance to the school, specifically after the beginning of first hour and both lunches. Although a small change, it may prove effective in regulating traffic in and out of the school. If everyone goes through one door, the staff will have a better handle on who is where. School staff must first diligently monitor the entrances before doing something drastic like slapping metal detectors on them. Likewise, another small change we believe would benefit the school would be the implementation of mandatory identification. The district discontinued its practice of students wearing lanyards in 2012, but it seems now security and our safety is more important than inconvenience and fashion. If everyone has a lanyard on, we know exactly who is and who isn’t supposed to be here. The Board of Education voted last year to keep guns out of schools, and they reaffirmed their decision at their last meeting. While we agree with this to the extent of students and staff, the Editorial Board is in favor of having an armed police officer stationed at the school at all times, but with minimal contact with the student body. The idea alone that there is a trained police officer on campus may ward off a potential shooter, and the difference in time between someone who is already here and someone who would have to drive onto campus could translate into lives saved in the event of an active shooter. However, we cannot solely rely on security staff and police to ensure the safety of our school community. Things happen. Mistakes are made. Students must be aware of how to respond in the event of an active shooter. To accomplish this, we need full-school active shooter drills. School-wide, run-hide-fight drills would be more useful for practicing what to do if a shooting were to happen during passing time or other times when students are out of class. In the current climate, these may evem be more beneficial than a fire or tornado drill. There are some things, specifically legislation, that are out of our control. But we must change the things we can. These are our lives. While some of our proposals may be considered a nuisance, we must take every step possible to ensure our school and the people within it remain safe.
Raven Jason, Cheryl Knorp, Emily McCloskey, Preston Rossignol, Katlyn Rood-Ballard, Amelia Schock, Sydney Semack, Jonathan Smith, Cordy Wettstein The North Pointe is edited and produced by journalism students at Grosse Pointe North High School and is published every two weeks. It is in practice a designated public forum without prior review. Comments should be directed to the student editors, who make all final content decisions. The views expressed are solely those of the authors or the student editorial board and do not reflect the opinions of the Grosse Pointe Public School System. Readers are encouraged to write letters to the editor. Letters are edited only for length and are screened for libel and obscenity. We are a member of the Michigan Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Student Press Law Center. We subscribe to McClatchy-Tribune Information Services and iStockphoto. com. One copy is available free to all community members. Additional copies may be purchased. Our editorial policy and advertising rates are available online. The North Pointe is printed on 100 percent recycled paper. CONTACT US 707 Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods MI, 48236 Email: gpnnorthpointe@gmail.com Phone: 313.432.3248 Twitter: @TheNorthPointe Website: northpointenow.org FACULTY ADVISER: Shari Adwers, MJE
FEATURE
North Pointe – Wednesday, March. 14, 2018 – 4
Breaking down the mental health resources provided to students Counselors offer support in wake of shooting tragedy I don’t think we’re going to solve this,” Pierce families in Switzerland have guns with rarely said. “It has to be covered similarly to health any incident. He believes that a solution to this problem needs issues.” to involve both Pierce said she mental health feels strongly about and gun reform. universal health care “I’m not too that includes mental in favor of guns, health coverage. but I’m not “I think that’s a no necessarily in brainer step towards at favor of changing least providing services the Second and support,” she said. A m e n d m e n t ,” “The gun issue is very White said. “It complex and layered, but I does seem to be do not believe any average more of a mental person should have an Brian White health thing.” assault rifle like somebody COUNSELOR S c h o o l in (the) military.” psychologist White believes it’s more of a mental health problem. He takes Christine Kuhl also believes that the U.S. Switzerland’s gun laws as an example. Most needs to focus on mental health from an early
By Erin Kaled WEBSITE MANAGING EDITOR
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Counselors Brian White and Milissa Pierce have been working with students for a combined 36 years. Although neither of them can clearly notice when a student has problems going on at home, they hope to be available whenever needed. “They can come down, chat, get some candy, hang out and just know that there’s somebody who will be here that’s willing to talk to them no matter what,” White said. Pierce said counselors are not doctors, and they can’t diagnose students. If they feel students need additional help, they’ll recommend it. She also believes the United States needs to be funding more mental health initiatives. “Until we start being fair about how to cover mental health and mental health issues,
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Students cope with shooting-related anxiety By Amber Braker & Sophie Kehrig PAGE EDITOR & STAFF REPORTER When senior Tyler Foster first heard about the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, he only felt numb. It seemed like the same thing has happened so many times before. But when he thought about it more, anxiety set in for Foster and those around him, specifically his freshman sister. “I kind of felt scared and worried for my little sister because I think about if that were to happen to our school,” Foster said. “What would I be able to do for her? Could I get to her? How would I protect her?” Foster is not the only student feeling this way. In the wake of Parkland, junior Ramsha Rizvi finds herself thinking about what she would do if she were to encounter an active shooter situation. Rizvi, who is originally from Canada, said she thinks it’s sad that students across the country likely have these same thoughts. “I honestly think it’s insane. I can’t believe this is such an issue here because obviously if you think about it, gun laws should have been established way long ago,” Rizvi said. “I feel like the (politicians) here, they’re putting the economy and money over the lives of people, and I think that’s insane.” The survivors of the Parkland shooting have voiced the same concerns. And they’ve decided to do something about it. The teens have lobbied for more stringent gun control laws at Florida’s state capitol, organized a nationwide walkout on March 24 and reached out to companies and politicians alike about cutting ties with the National Rifle Association. These actions have garnered measurable results, including pressuring over 20 companies to end partnerships with the NRA. Rizvi believes that student involvement in the movement for gun reform is important. “I feel like the leaders of America, they’re honestly not doing anything. They’re saying it’s too early to do anything,” she said. “I feel like they’re just standing there watching people, innocent kids getting shot.” The voices of the students involved, their allies and their adversaries alike have been amplified by social media platforms like Twitter and Face-
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book in a manner unprecedented in history. Senior Zachary Page said this attention is essential to the spreading of opinions. “I feel like it gets the word out more, and it allows for more ideas to be put out there about certain subjects,” Page said. “It just allows for more ideas to be put out, so that’s obviously a good thing.” English teacher Charles Crimando has somewhat of a contrasting view. He feels that the environment of mass media can be divisive — and therefore counterproductive in scenarios like this — when unity is essential. “It can cause this sort of feeling of disunity, which is unfortunate after an event like this. I think that what people probably need is a feeling of community and togetherness, and when we have so many different sources, people telling us their opinions on what occured, people lose sight of the fact that we need to band together and mourn and figure out how to stop it,” Crimando said. “I think just having that cacophony of media is making us distracted, and we instantly start to fall into the pit of paying attention to one issue that might not even be relevant at the time.” In the face of threats, such as mass shootings, Crimando said the safety of students should be prioritized and the solemnity of schools should be maintained. “As an educator, I feel like there is almost a sanctity of schools. They’re supposed to be the place where kids are able to come and safely explore the world around them and themselves. It certainly makes me feel concerned that that is ever being threatened in any way by anyone,” Crimando said. “That makes me sick to my stomach.” Though she now pays more attention to gun violence in other parts of the country, Rizvi said she feels secure. “I feel safe in this school. I’m comfortable with the people who I’m with that teach me. I think everything here is safe. But then again, I might not know,” Rizvi said. “No, I think. I think I’m fine. I operate the same way. It’s just that I’ve become more aware of the things that are happening around America. But here specifically, I’m not afraid. I’m comfortable here.”
age so it can be more manageable. She hopes it will prevent a future crisis from arising. According to Kuhl, the school board has a policy for assessing students that may be a danger to themselves or others. “We follow the policy of assessing the threat and then contacting parents to communicate our concerns or seeking emergency care, if needed,” Kuhl said via email. Adults, like counselors, have the responsibility to help students, but what can a student do? Both White and Pierce believe being kind to peers can help. They advise students not to isolate each other and treat everyone with genuine respect. “Be nice to each other,” White said. “Be caring about your friends. Even if somebody’s not a close friend, be friendly to people.”
National Suicide National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
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1-800985-5990 ZOE GRAVES
Doctors recommend annual mental health screening for adolescents By Zoe Graves & Sofia Ketels PAGE EDITORS In an attempt to help end the stigma against mental health, pediatricians are recommending that all children are screened for depression once a year, starting at age 12. According to National Public Radio, 50 percent of depressed teens are diagnosed before they hit adulthood, while two out of three adolescents go untreated. The American Academy of Pediatrics has also released a new set of guidelines calling for universal depression screenings. School psychologist Christine Kuhl said screening kids for depression at younger ages will be beneficial for the overall health of students. “I think it is important for families and children to have safe spaces where they can openly discuss mental health and whether or not they need additional support,” Kuhl said via email. “Good mental health is an important component of a healthy community, so I believe it does require a whole-community approach. Mental health evaluations/conversations with health care providers can only help families seek and access the help they need.” Freshman Molly Bennett believes that in addition to providing much needed support to students, these proposed mental health checkups have the potential to prevent other tragedies from happening again by revealing risk factors that may eventually lead to violence. “I think you will definitely make sure that people know and be more aware,” Bennett said. “You’d be watching them more and trying to make sure that they’re okay before something happens.” In addition to annually checking in on the mental health of students, the AAP’s new recommendations also call for families
who have a depressed teen to limit the teen’s access to lethal means of harm and develop a safety plan. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, suicide is the third highest cause of death for people ages 10-24, and according the AAP, this risk is connected to firearm availability. Psychology teacher Jennifer Weisbrodt says there’s a large discrepancy between how we treat physical and mental ailment in the United States. “It shouldn’t even be a question as to if children should have mental health checkups every year. They absolutely should,” Weisbrodt said via email. “Mental health is just as important as one’s physical health, as we have seen in recent years.” Bennett agrees, saying that mental health should be seen as more of a priority in today’s society, especially considering all the pressure she sees being put on students. Weisbrodt added that situational factors like school-related stress would be considered by doctors in these exams, as well as family history. She said that she believes these exams will not entirely prevent or solve the issue of gun violence in schools, but that it is a good start. “I don’t equate someone having a mental illness with them committing horrific acts of violence, but those who commit acts of violence on a large scale most often have a mental illness,” Weisbrodt said. “They are not one in the same, however. I don’t think linking mental illness and mass shootings is promoting stigma of mental illness. I think it is addressing a fact in our society.”
FEATURE
North Pointe – Wednesday, Mar. 14, 2018 – 5
Q&A with the School Board Editors Note: We reached out to all school board members. Those included responded to questions proposed before press time.
By Sofia Ketels PAGE EDITOR
Christopher Profeta
Margaret Weertz
What is your stance on arming teachers and staff members in schools? I am against this idea. Recently, the school board unanimously approved a resolution opposing the Michigan State Senate’s attempt to arm school teachers. I agree with the position of the law enforcement officials who came before the board recently and expressed skepticism about this idea. I think a better approach is to make sure that our buildings are secure and that when we see students who exhibit some of the warning signs we’ve seen in other incidents across the country that we have resources in place to get them the help they need. I also suspect the board will be having a discussion about school resource officers in the near future.
What is your stance on arming teachers and staff members in schools? I am opposed to arming teachers or staff members. Even police officers who train for these events over years and years rarely ever fire a weapon. I don’t believe teachers are equipped to be police officers, medics or any other emergency aide in the case of a serious event. I also believe schools should remain weapon-free zones. I would like all public places to be weapon-free and safe.
What do you think should change in government and district policy to prevent another shooting like this from happening again? The district is working with Compliance One to update our security policies and procedures. They made a number of important recommendations to the board recently. One of those recommendations that is currently included in the facilities plan Dr. (Gary) Niehaus is presenting at town hall meetings across the district is the idea of building a single secure entry vestibule similar to what you have at Grosse Pointe North at every building in the district. I personally fully support this idea.
What do you think should change in government and district policy to prevent another shooting like this from happening again? Outlaw semi-automatic and automatic guns, bumper stocks any other device that causes mass murder. These are not guns for self protection or to hunt. These are guns intended for mass murder, and they do not belong in a civil society. Most countries do not experience weekly mass shootings because they have sensible gun laws.
What do you see happening in the future amid the protests and calls for change? I can only speak to what I see happening within our school district, and at the town hall meetings on building improvements I have seen an intense focus by community members on building security ... These facilities town halls will be running through April at every building in the district, and I encourage everyone to attend and share their concerns.
What do you see happening in the future amid the protests and calls for change? I am heartened that our country, and especially our students, are finally standing up for the safety of our citizens. Our children have a right to go to school without these continual threats. If that means going against lobbies and special interests, so be it. This generation has witnessed too much carnage, and we have to say, “Enough.”
Judy Gafa
Kathy Abke
What is your stance on arming teachers and staff members in schools? I am not in favor of arming staff. There are too many variables. How would a weapon be secured? What would happen if a student obtained a staff member’s gun? Teachers went to school to teach, not to be police officers.
What is your stance on arming teachers and staff members in schools? I worked for many years as a trauma and crisis counselor, so I have had a fair amount of exposure to violent situations through survivors and first responders. There is an overwhelming body of research that increasing weapons increases incidents. I read a study on this just today that came out of Stanford and Duke Universities. It’s consistent with other studies I have read. I also saw an article that the Michigan Sheriff’s Association (as well as the American Federation of Teachers -Michigan) does not support arming staff and teachers. The Michigan Education Association and the Grosse Pointe Education Association tell us they concur. I’m going to listen to the recommendations of the sheriff’s departments and the public safety departments – they don’t think arming our employees is the answer. We need to listen to what they are saying will help.
What do you think should change in government and district policy to prevent another shooting like this from happening again? I would like to see a reinstatement on a ban on assault weapons. I would like to see stricter background checks. I would like to see a waiting period of at least 24 hours, and I would like to see an increased funding for safety officers, teachers, counselors and mental health.
What do you think should change in government and district policy to prevent another shooting like this from happening again? There is no one answer, of course. It’s a complicated issue with multiple layers. We need to look to countries that don’t have the same rate of gun violence incidences and ask what they’re doing differently. I also think investing more dollars into mental health support services for students, families, schools and communities would help. I used to teach kids conflict resolution and problem solving in an elementary school, and we saw incidences of violence decrease as those skills increased. Is that a magic solution? No. It’s going to take a lot of things.
What do you see happening in the future amid the protests and calls for change? I believe your generation will be the generation of change. I see articulate, thoughtful young people standing up for what they believe in.
What do you see happening in the future amid the protests and calls for change? I’ve seen things change in my lifetime, and I’ve seen them stay the same as well. Progress is not a straight line, unfortunately. My hope is that people can put aside their differences and work together to make our world safer for everyone. I have tremendous hope in your generation making things better.
ADAM SCHWARTZ & SOFIA KETELS
FEATURE
6 – Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - North Pointe
Gun te rminol ogy
By Colin Haroutunian INTERN
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Magazine: Whether in a tube, drum, box or other shapes, a magazine holds the ammunition which can be fed into the firearm. Springs can be used inside the magazine to push the ammunition into the action. Bump stock: A modification to the stock of a semiautomatic firearm in order to bolster its rate of fire. While the stock remains in place, the recoil from firing pushes the rest of the firearm back. This allows the trigger to be pressed again, firing once more. Silencer: Also known as a suppressor, an attachment to the muzzle of a firearm which decreases the sound when fired. According to the Gun Control Act of 1968, this part is used for “diminishing the report of a portable firearm,” in which the definition includes parts that are necessary to create a silencer. Choke: A threaded insert to the muzzle of a shotgun’s barrel, which tightens or expands the shot pattern when the weapon is fired. When tightened, the conical shot pattern is confined to a smaller spread, benefitting accuracy.
By Ben Ura m
STA FF REP O
& Cordy W ettstein
RTERS
Can I be punished for participating in a walkout? Usually, no. The law says suspension is not a fitting punishment for unexcused absences. It also says suspension is a last-resort penalty and should not be used left and right. That means the school will have to take steps to “correct your behavior” before suspending you.
What can I be punished for doing? If you skip class to protest, you can be punished the same way you would for skipping a class under any other circumstance. You can also be punished if your protest is obscene by legal standards. You can also be penalized if it is slanderous or untrue, or if it causes students to break the law or create a substantial disruption to the daily order of the school. How severe can the punishment be? At the very least, you can get a detention, while the most severe punishment you can receive is a suspension. If you have too many unexcused absences, you become a truant, or an official classskipper. After being notified for truancy enough times, you can be suspended. If two or more kids leave class unexcused, the absence can be considered a strike, which is punishable by expulsion. Can I organize and/or hold my own protest? Yes. You have a constitutional right to demonstrate as long as it isn’t disruptive. Some school districts have policies about when, where and how students can organize these protests. You can get in trouble for demonstrations that disrupt classes, block hallways, encourage students to miss class or happen inside of class.
Action: Determines how a firearm is refilled or reloaded with ammunition. For example, with a break-action shotgun, after the weapon is fired, it must be manually opened, and then a new shell is inserted by the operator. Primer: A component of the back-end on an ammunition shell or casing. When the primer is struck by the firing pin or striker of the firearm, the gunpowder is ignited. The gas expands the casing, forcing the bullet out of the barrel. Shotshell: Also known as the shell, the ammunition used in shotguns. It encases multiple components, including the shot, the wad, gunpowder and others. While the shot is ultimately the projectile to hit an object, the plastic wad is also forced out but serves no use outside of the shell. Cartridge: Contains both a bullet and gunpowder inside of a casing. While the casing is leftover once fired, the bullet is sent through the barrel. Safety: A switch or lever that can be rotated or pushed to alter the ability to pull the firearm’s trigger. When on, the weapon cannot be fired through a pull or squeeze of the trigger, which is primarily immovable. Concealed Pistol License (CPL): allows for citizens over the age of 21 to carry a concealed handgun. The license is only received after completing safety classes and meeting its requirements. Firearm: according to the National Firearms Act, a firearm is recognized as a weapon that fires a projectile when an explosion occurs to propel it outwards and that can be reloaded with ammunition after each shot.
Have an escape route Getting away from the shooter is your top priority. Leave your belongings behind and get as far away as possible. Call 911 when it is safe.
What to do if there's an active shooter By Arzoo Chhaya & Brooklyn McWhorter STAFF REPORTERS
Hide if escape is not possible Get out of the shooter’s view and stay very quiet. Lock and block all doors, close blinds and turn off all lights. Your hiding spot should be out of the shooter’s view and should be able to protect you from shots that may be fired. Do NOT hide in groups. Silence all electronic devices and make sure they do not vibrate or ring.
Fight as your last resort After the incident Your hands must be visible and empty. Law enforcement officers might push individuals out of the way. Prepare for it. Be sure to aid YOURSELF before helping others. Consider seeking professional help for post-incident trauma.
Be armed with the heaviest objects you can find around you — textbooks, backpacks. Aim to DISTRACT and eventually DISARM. Prepare to severely injure your attacker. ALL PHOTOS BY KATIE THOMAS
IDEAS
North Pointe – Wednesday, March 14, 2018 – 7
OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS
Weighing in on the walkout POWER TO THE PROTESTERS
IN FAVOR
ZOE GRAVES
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt unsafe in school, the little voice in the back of my head reminding me about the possibility that it could be my school, my friends getting killed. That it could be my younger brother’s school. That it could be my cousin’s school. I’m nowhere close to having the stance that we should ban guns. I know that there’s no possibility of that happening in my lifetime, or potentially any American’s lifetime. But I am in favor of tighter background checks. I am in favor of having to have a permit for and register every gun that is purchased no matter the type. I am in favor of having background checks for private weapon sales. I am in favor of raising the age for purchasing a firearm to 21. I am in favor of banning bump stocks and semi-automatic weapons. Yes, I know that a law-abiding citizen isn’t going to be the one to shoot up a school, and by tightening restrictions on guns, all we’re going to do is make it harder for responsible people to get them. But if you are a responsible, law-abiding citizen, you should be OK with having to wait a little longer to receive your gun because of a more thorough background check. Because in the long run, that more thorough background check could be stopping someone less responsible from getting their gun and causing harm. I’m done with hearing about people my age being killed at their school because of gun violence and watching people do nothing. I’m tired of nothing changing. By walking out of school, by marching during the March For Our Lives, we’re standing together to make a change — a change that should have been made a long time ago.
Don’t blame the law
Letters to the Editor The North Pointe staff encourages Letters to the Editor from the community. Letters should be 300 words or less and signed. Letters can be sent to NorthPointeLetters@ gmail.com. They may be edited for length or AP Style.
In my opinion, our country is not in need of changes to gun laws. When there is a mass shooting, there is no reason to blame the gun, the only person to blame is the person who pulled the trigger. O n e of my favo r it e quotes, wh ic h came f r o m M a d i s o n G e sio t t o, wh o i s a wo m a n o n P r e sid e nt Tr u m p’s Adv i s o r y b o a r d , i s , “ I n a DU I , we bl a m e t h e d r ive r. I n a b o m b i ng, we bl a m e t h e b o m b e r. I n a s h o o t i ng, we bl a m e t h e g u n? ” Tr ust me, I do not support people using guns for the mass shootings, only for self defense. And I am very sor ry for all of the families and friends and those who lost their life to a mass shooting. Thank you so much for tak ing the time to read this, I really appreciate it. Have a great day, K ATIE FLYNN
Within days after the occurence of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre, the idea of a school walkout filled the minds of students across the country. The idea was not officially political, just a show of solidarity for those 17 students who so innocently lost their lives — that is the idea I am in full support of. The first walkout was set up to happen on March 14 from 10:00-10:17 a.m. Nonetheless, in Grosse Pointe, the only aspect of the original plan that holds true is something as insignificant as the date and the time. In an email to GPPSS parents, Dr. Gary Niehaus, district superintendent, laid out the three goals of the GPPSS Walkout. The first two are to honor victims and to rally support against school violence. Both of those things are the right, moral missions of the walkout. There are no problems with that part. They are what it is supposed to be. But, then you get to goal number three: advocate for resources in order to ensure safe and secure buildings. It may seem odd that I’m saying this is a bad thing. I would be insane to be against making our schools more safe. On the outside, this is golden. But, cracking the surface, it’s rotten. In the priorities of a school district, student safety and the quality of student education come out on top. And, on the surface, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to keep us safe — those are the right things to do. But, once you crack the surface of what really is
a gilded idea — that idea being using the walkout as a way to advocate for more funds — there is much more to consider. We, as students, will not stand as props in an effort to garner more funds for the school district. This, in a sense, seems like the district is saying “This is our problem, but we don’t want to handle it.” For the general issues of gun control and school safety, leaders have a chronic habit of pushing the responsibility away and placing it on students. Yet, when students comply, leaders don’t receive our ideas. Point being, an apolitical event has turned into a political plea for more money, with students being positioned front and center. This is outright unethical. It’s an inappropriate appropriation of what was meant to be a 17 minute stance of solidarity for the victims of Parkland, a minute for each of them. It is not our job to sell our brand to lawmakers, that is the sole responsibility of the district administration. I would, if the third mission of the walkout weren’t in play, happily and ostentatiously participate. I am in no way against a walkout, I think it’s a noble and creative idea. I am against the Grosse Pointe Walkout. Something much less noble and much more political. As a district, we cando better. I support the district’s decision to do a walkout, just not this walkout.
Blake Properties, L.L.C.
Living in fear I l ive i n fe a r. Fe a r t h at I w i l l go t o scho ol a nd neve r c ome ba ck . Fe a r t h at I w i l l neve r b e a ble t o t el l my pa r ent s I love t hem aga i n. Fe a r t h at I won’t b e a ble t o wa l k a c r oss t h at st age a nd g r a du at e c ome Ju ne. Fe a r t h at my pa r ent s won’t get t o s end me of f t o c ol lege i n Aug ust . Eve r y t i me I wa l k i n t h is bu i ld i ng, I exp e r ienc e fe a r. I’m a f r a id b e caus e st ud ent s a r e dy i ng. A l l a c r oss t he c ou nt r y k id s a r e b ei ng mu rd e r e d i n t he pla c e whe r e t hey a r e me a nt t o le a r n a nd b et t e r t hem s elve s. I can’t help but think that those k ids probably thought “It won’t happen to me.” You can only hope it won’t, but there are no guarantees. So I often think about it, what I would do? I plan out how I would escape, how I would find my little brother and get him to safety. I sit in class and come up with a plan to save me from a shooter instead of getting the education that I come here for. I spend so much time wor rying because it’s real. Ask around and you would be shocked to discover the amount of
RORY ANGOTT
AGAINST
It often feels today’s generation teenagers can never win. We’re called lazy and unmotivated, addicted to our phones and technology when we’re just trying to enjoy our first few years of “freedom,” but we’re then criticized for our “lack of knowledge” or are discredited when we try and speak on a subject that matters to us. After the shooting in Parkland, the surviving students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School became leading activists in the fight for more gun control, students even creating the Never Again MSD movement to help further the fight against gun violence. In its short lifespan, the movement has already staged multiple protests against gun violence, including the upcoming March For Our Lives in Washington D.C. March 24. The majority of high schoolers can’t vote, and the select seniors who can aren’t enough to give our generation a fair voice. The survivors of Parkland are paving the way for us — the students and future leaders of this country — and are giving us a platform to make our voices heard. The March For Our Lives are about us. It’s about our lives and the ones who have been lost in Columbine, Sandy Hook, Parkland and any other school shooting. They are about the lives that have been lost in schools — a place that students are supposed to be safe — because of gun violence. They’re about the lives that will be lost in schools because of gun violence if we don’t do something about the imminent problem our country faces. By getting up and walking out of class and standing together to remember those who are no longer with us, we are showing the world that we have a voice. We are showing them that even though we may not be able to vote, we’re going to do everything we can to try and promote change. By marching in our city during the March For Our Lives, we are showing them that we won’t stop until we feel that we are safe.
WE ARE NOT YOUR PROPS
PO Box 36053 Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236
people who have access to a gun. I was dumbfounded to learn that proposed legislation would allow people with a concealed weapon license to legally carry a loaded gun onto a school campus with them. Innocent as it may seem to some, it’s a gamble on the lives of students who have barely had the chance to live. So far it is a gamble that lawmakers are willing to take. They are being passive and ignore the voices of the rising generation pleading for help, begging for their safety and for their lives to f i na l ly be wor t h more to them than the N R A’s m o n e y. Sincerely, LILLY REINHARD
FOR LIVE UPDATES ON TODAY’S EVENTS, FOLLOW @thenorthpointe ON TWITTER
Mary Carron, Property Manager
Office: (313) 881-6882 Fax: (313) 881-6874 Email: mcarron@theblakecompany.net www.theblakecompany.net
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FEATURE
8 – Wednesday, March 14, 2018 – North Pointe
Myth vs. Fact A look at some of the most common gun control misconceptions
Six ways to take action without marching By Emily Widgren & Mariah Loper STAFF REPORTERS
Group up
1
Assemble a group of people who share your beliefs. By meeting in a larger group, the message is spread around your community more quickly.
Contact your representatives
2 3
Contact your local and federal representatives. Many representatives allow you to send an email, leave a voicemail or set up a meeting. Michigan senators are Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters. The District 14 representative is Brenda Lawrence.
Register to vote If you 18 or older, register to vote. This allows you to have more control over what happens on both local and federal levels. To register online, go to https://www. dmv.org/mi-michigan/ voter-registration.php.
Volunteer
4
There are many groups that need help to spread the word, including Moms Demand Action, Coalition to Stop Gun Violence and the Second Ammendment Foundation.
Go to city meetings
5
Attend Town Hall and City Council meetings regularly. This allows you to have a say in what happens in your community.
Donate
6
Support larger groups that are accomplishing what you want to see done. By supporting a larger group, the message is easier to spread and will reach a wider variety of people.
JOANNA ALEXANDER & HALLE PEPPER
ALL PHOTOS BY SOFIA KETELS
Upcoming events March.
24
Detroit March for Our Lives at 11 a.m. in Rivard Plaza
April.
24
Nationwide Columbine Anniversary school Walkout at 10 a.m.
May.
3
NRA annual meeting and exhibits in Dallas,Texas from May 3-6