The Vista NOTRE DAME ACADEMY*3535 W. SYLVANIA AVE.* TOLEDO, OH 43623*VOL 68 ISSUE 5*MAR. 29, 2018
Students Call for Action After Gun Violence Hannah Dailey On Feb. 14, a mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Seventeen students lost their lives that day. Survivors from the shooting have chosen to speak up and start a movement that will extend to students around the country. The ultimate goal of this movement is to change how the United States deals with gun regulation. Supporters of this movement agree something needs to change if this country ever wants to see a day in which students do not have to be afraid to go to school. The movement has manifested itself into school walkouts as a method of peaceful protest and even local marches. Students around the country are taking action to let their government know that something needs to change in order to prevent the loss of lives. “No person should have to fear getting an education to better themselves,” freshman Maria Evola said. “I’m sick and tired of coming to school being scared if this is going to be the last day. I’m tired of having anxiety because I hear books drop in the hallway,” freshman Miracle Burt said. “As a student, I shouldn’t feel this way, and I’m definitely not going to sit here and do nothing.” Supporters of the movement have slightly varying goals. Some want total gun bans while others simply want better gun regulation. Regardless, participants want to see a future in which children are safe. “I feel most people do not want a complete repeal of the second amendment but rather to take measures to make getting guns harder and to enforce current and hopefully new laws,” senior
NDA students at the March for Our Lives in Washington D.C. Photo courtesy of @sassmvmnt on Instagram.
Laura Mosler said. “In order for our country as a whole to develop gun control, it is going to be a long journey. This isn’t something that happens over night, but rather over a period of time. This is a movement that will change history, and change the future of our country. Before America can be great, we need the reassurance that America will be safe,” freshman Gabriella Ravas said. The movement has already started to make a difference, and the issue of gun regulation has definitely moved to the top of the agenda in Congress as well as state and local governments. “The proposed laws following Parkland and the March For Our Lives movement have made enormous progress, such as banning bump stocks in Washington. We still need support to be passed into legislation. Additional proposals need our continued voice in protest such as the proposal that teach-
ers should have arms, which is a provincial and an ineffective idea. I’m not fully sure how we can stop school shootings, but I support increased restrictions for people who receive red flags in their background checks,” sophomore Chloe Kozal said. Schools have begun to take additional measures in training teachers and students alike in what to do in a dire situation in which an active shooter comes into the building. “Children shouldn’t be learning how to hide from an intruder or learning to protect themselves in that situation. They should be learning about primary colors and multiplication,” junior Olivia Dickman said. The Parkland shooting is seen by many as a turning point in the debate for gun control. Students are raising their voices and contacting their local and national governments and advocating for change. They have contacted local lawmakers who are taking new legislation to the government. “Gun violence has become normalcy in the lives of my generation, and I cannot stand to see it remain this way. Though it is empowering to see fellow teenagers rising up to make change, it is also disheartening. A government, a country that we are meant to be proud of is actively failing its people, most devastatingly, its children (and future leaders). We cannot afford for this movement to die. It could literally be fatal,” senior Caroline Dziubek said. “I am advocating for gun reform because I want to go to school without fear if being shot. I want better gun regulations and screenings, because my life should be worth a little extra paperwork.” junior Katie Jackson said.
In This Issue: Page 2 #MeToo Follow-Up
Page 5 Gun Control
Page 7 Raising Money for Leukemia