SAVANNAH, Ga. () — More than 100 Savannah Arts Academy students walked out of class Friday and gathered at Tiedemann Park to protest gun violence.
The group Students Demand Action organized the protest in reaction to the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, which resulted in the loss of two children and injuries to 17 more.
“We are demonstrating against the lack of legislative response to the school shooting and the widespread issue of gun violence in our nation. It feels as though lawmakers are falling short in addressing these dreadful incidents that keep happening repeatedly. As students directly impacted by this crisis, we’re taking a stand,” expressed Zoe Wagner, president of the Savannah Arts chapter of Students Demand Action.
Wagner said daily safety routines are a constant reminder of the issue.
“Every morning, passing through metal detectors serves as a constant reminder of the challenges our country faces. Thankfully, Savannah Arts has not experienced a shooting, but like every other school here, we pass through these detectors and participate in lockdown drills, highlighting the persistent issue,” she noted.
Wagner also pointed to research that shows firearm injuries are the leading cause of death among teens.
“It’s crucial for our generation to engage in this form of protest and advocacy because there’s a significant disconnect between lawmakers and their constituents, particularly the younger demographic. They need to hear from us firsthand because this crisis instills fear in us at schools, which are meant to be safe educational spaces. That should not be the norm,” Wagner added.
Vice President of the Savannah Arts chapter, Maya Krisniski, said the turnout was bigger than expected.
“I am truly empowered and honestly overwhelmed because I never anticipated such a large turnout of passionate individuals. It’s exhilarating and moving to see so much concern,” Krisniski commented.
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System stated that although the walkout wasn’t a school-endorsed event, the district supports students’ rights to protest and remains committed to ensuring their safety.
