Brady Campaign Praises Student Voices on National School Walkout

Washington, D.C., April 20, 2018 - Today, students across the nation stood together in protest of ongoing gun violence in their schools and communities, making it clear that they intend to continue fighting and raising the issue in the months to come. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence praised the students taking part in the National School Walkout, noting that, in large part due to their efforts, gun safety has clearly become the top priority for the American public.

"Today's walkout proves that this movement will continue far past the March for Our Lives, all the way through the midterm elections and beyond," stated Kris Brown, co-president of the Brady Campaign. "In the past, after an ‘acceptable' period of mourning, the country moved on to the next issue. Well, this time, we're not moving on. There is no next issue. These students aren't going anywhere, and we are standing right there with them."

Today's walkout, which comes on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre, comes on the heels of a new poll showing that over half the country agrees that gun safety should be the number one legislative priority for Congress. It also comes after a Pew Research study showing that a majority of teens in America now fear a shooting will take place at their own school.

"Students are standing up and confronting America's gun violence epidemic head on," added Brady co-president Avery Gardiner. "We're going to join and support these inspirational young leaders in every way we can in the coming months, including providing a platform for them to continue engaging on this issue and putting voter registration front and center. Because we've got an election coming up in exactly 200 days, and we're all ready to walk out to the polls and make our voices heard."

Ahead of the walkout, the Brady Campaign distributed a neutral, nonpartisan discussion guide for teachers and school administrators to use in their classrooms. The guide was written in a way to encourage discussion with the students about gun violence in America.

###

Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.


Back to Press Releases
Related Posts