Following recent gun laws and lack of safety protocols in the United States, school shootings have been on a constant rise with no promising changes in gun control. Those with hope have been advocating for stricter gun laws through demonstrations, petitions, and local elections, but to no avail. According to a CNN analysis, 2025 has already had 44 attacks on students so far, as of August 27.
Tired of being called the school shooting generation, “Students Demand Action” spreads awareness to this issue by organizing in high schools, colleges, and communities across the United States to demand action to end gun violence. Their most recent triumphant demonstration was a national school walkout, which many Wake County high schools participated in.
According to Millbrook Principal, Dr. Brian Saunders, a thousand students took part in the peaceful demonstration against gun violence in the Millbrook courtyard, which was mostly organized by IB students Anna Marie Maingi and Hazel Henderson. In an exclusive interview with CatTalk, Anna Marie exclaimed: “I’m so proud of the Millbrook Wildcats for showing up today! Along with students all over the country, we were able to raise awareness for gun violence prevention in order to keep our schools safe.” Maingi hoped to bring awareness to the young and innocent students being killed, and put an end to the constant mourning of lives.
The peaceful demonstration at Millbrook High School caused faculty and staff to recall the similar protests and demonstrations in support of gun control legislation, following the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. With 17 killed and 18 others injured, the shooting is the deadliest attack on students in U.S. history.
A social studies teacher at Millbrook High School, Mr. Haynes, emphasized how proud he is of Millbrook students for exercising their First Amendment right to peacefully assemble and protest gun violence in American schools. Mr. Haynes noted, “It was inspiring to witness a united, nationwide movement by American youth challenging the existing gun culture and violence. However, I urge the youth to take the next step: to vote, run for office, and create lasting change.”
The most recent attack at an elementary catholic school in Minneapolis, was one of the four deadly shootings that struck Minneapolis in the same 24 hours. The mass shooting at the catholic school ended with two young children ages eight and ten killed, with 17 others injured. Minneapolis mayor, Jacob Frey, was deeply heartbroken after the attack. He delivered an emotional statement during a press conference where he emphasized his disagreement with those asking to “share their thoughts and prayers,” because “the kids were literally praying,” he voiced. His broader message implied the need for stricter gun laws and putting an end to gun violence.
Students who advocate for their Second Amendment right, such as JROTC Cadet Colonel Gabrielle Sadosky, shared that it’s important to recognize the views of others. Sadosky suggested other solutions to ending gun violence such as focusing on mental health, identifying those with struggles, increasing security in schools, and bringing clear backpacks. “The problem doesn’t lie with the gun but those with the guns. It’s a mental health issue. Therefore, we can limit gun violence by supporting kids with mental health needs,” Colonel Sadosky stated.
From the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary onslaught, to the deadliest school shooting in a Parkland high school, etc. school shootings have been extremely frequent. The incidents involving loss of children and teachers have led to public concern among citizens and local officials. Voting at a local level, protesting, and petitions are a few ways that students may demand action against gun violence.
