By: Katherine Hubeny and Jerald Mendoza
In an anti-gun violence protest, around 250 MHS students walked out of class on Mar. 14, Principal Francis Rojas said. Students who walked out joined together at the Police Station to express their opinions, he explained.
During the walk-out, students first joined together in front of the school gym, then proceeded to walk to the police station where they shared their opinions on the matter. Participants then had 17 minutes of silence for the fallen victims and a few more speeches were given before heading back to campus right before lunch.
Many students sharesentiments in reasoning for attending the walk-out. “I obviously take a stance for stricter gun control laws and being here and just raising awareness in general means a lot to me,” according to Senior Kevin Quach. “Personally, [I’m here] because gun control has always been something that I’ve always wanted to be involved in, and it’s obviously a pressing issue that directly involves all students in the community.”
The walk-out was meant to advocate for stricter gun control laws, Quach said. One of his primary concerns is gun violence and the possibilities of hearing of a family member’s involvement in gun violence, Quach explained.
“I currently am here because I have a younger brother who’s going to be going to high school next year,” Quach said. “I know personally I would be extremely devastated to know if I ever received a call [that he was involved in a shooting] while I’m at college.”
Not everyone agreed that walkouts would be enough to make a difference. “I feel like there are different and more influential ways and I don’t really like how the whole walkout was organized,” Senior Sonal Mehta said. “[One way is] actually talking to your representatives, Ro Khanna, actually trying to get in contact with them and talking to people who are in charge of your city.”
Despite that idea, students marched anyway, hoping that enough participation get the attention of lawmakers. “I think if a lot of schools [walk out], if a lot of people show up, then it is something that’s going to be broadcast throughout the world even, and it will be something that’s heard,” Senior Saket Metrani said. “There’s been a lot of talk in the mediaabout gun control. Right now I think the only people who can do anything more are legislators, because that’s the next step: to get legislation to start enacting these gun laws”
Administrators present were present but did not take a stance on the walk out, Assistant Principal Jennifer Hutchison said. Administrators came out for the walk out to make sure students were safe, she said.
“The admin role is to ensure safety of our students on campus and if there is a walkout that we would do our best to ensure safety of those students who are walking out as well,” Hutchison said. “So some admin will be on campus here and some will be walking along with the students, not participating but as protection.”
Contrary to what people may think, the administration did not take a stance on the walk out, Rojas said. Any statements the school made about student discipline simply followed the Education Code, he said.
“[Superintendent Jordan and I] were encouraging students talk to your parents about what’s right for you and your family. If you make the decision to cut class to support something you believe in, is that something you’re ready to do,” Rojas said. “Because we’re emphasizing that there’s a responsibility when you choose to do some type of civil disobedience.”
