© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Mid-Michigan High Schools Walk Out Against Gun Violence

students with signs
Kevin Lavery
/
WKAR-MSU
Students from Lansing Eastern High School prepare to march against gun violence in support of National School Walkout Day.

Several Mid-Michigan high schools took part in a national walkout Wednesday to protest government inaction against gun violence. WKAR's Kevin Lavery visited Lansing's Eastern High School.

WATCH VIDEO at Facebook

Hundreds of students marched along Pennsylvania Avenue outside their school, chanting and carrying signs decrying gun violence.  Their walkout was inspired by their peers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school who survived last month's deadly shooting in Parkland, Florida.

"I think it's that we finally saw that the adults and Congress weren't doing enough; that they thought saying sorry would be enough, and it's not," says Lansing Eastern senior Christina Alcantar. "We need action.We need improvements."

Support for the walkout varied across the country, with some districts prohibiting it outright.

Lansing Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul was found marching alongside her students.

"Why would we punish kids for exercising their democratic right to have a voice?" she says.

The walkout was a precursor to a larger march expected in Washington on March 24. A similar event is also planned that day at the state capitol in Lansing.

Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.
Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!