Newton Students Rally, Chanting 'Enough Is Enough' Inside

NEWTON, MA — At 10 a.m. Thursday, a month and a day after a shooting that killed 17 people in Parkland Florida, hundreds of students walked out of Newton South High School regularly scheduled classes, some with teachers and administrators some outside the building, making their way to the field house.

"It is up to us to show politicians that we aren't just a bunch of emotional kids," said Kimia Tabataei, a senior, to the crowd inside. "Taking action does not end here," she said.

Hundreds of students filled the space with teachers and administrators mostly lingering on the outskirts of the crowd. Extra police officers were on the scene, but, unlike rallies at Brookline, Arlington and Beverly news media was not invited nor were there camera trucks outside or news helicopters outside trying to catch a glimpse of how many students participated.

A lone student stood her ground outside.

"The administration said it was too chilly," said Sitapa Jamdee, a junior, who said she refused to spend her 17 minute protest inside. "The whole point is civil disobedience, what's the point if the administration is controlling our protest?"

But the rally did go on, led by two freshmen wearing bright orange shirts speaking into a mic and standing on some risers underneath the American flag, away from the 35 degree temps outside.

Students across the country planned to walk out of their classes Wednesday at 10 a.m. for 17 minutes in honor of the 17 people killed in the Parkland, Florida, school shooting last month. The snow cancellations in the Commonwealth meant Newton South was one of many high schools that had to reschedule.

Inside the athletic house, Principal Joel Stembridge and Mayor Ruthann Fuller were standing close to the front watching as Carrie Ryter and Sophie Sillman Lewis, Raven, Khyla Turner and Kimia Tabatabaei took turns at the mic encouraging the students who showed up to keep the momentum going, and to write letters to lawmakers and to participate in future walkouts like the one planned for March 24 in Boston.

Carrie and Sophie both freshmen at Newton South participated in the Women's March a few months ago and that got them interested in political action. Carrie and her mother even jumped on a plane and went out to a conference in Detroit on the heels of that national protest. It was the Women's March Youth Movement organizers who reached out to her to see if she'd lead a protest at her school. She and Sophie jumped at the idea, despite how daunting it might seem as freshmen to pick up that mantel at their new high school.

"I was really inspired by the Parkland youth who took on leaders," said Sophie. "And even though we live in Massachusetts there's still plenty to do."

"And enough is enough. I'm fed up with all the shootings, not just the ones in white communities getting media attention. If Congress isn't going to do anything we have to," said Carrie.

When it came to push back from the adults around them, the two said the administration was helpful and supportive and they were appreciative that so many teachers and administrators showed up, but also that they had a warmer spot for the program.

A number of students from Newton made it to the State House on Beacon Hill in Boston for a WalkOut for Action and March for Our Lives rally on that started on the steps there and went inside to the building.
After impassioned speeches from a handful of students, the packed room full of students from more than 25 schools in the state heard from legislators who promised they supported them.

Following the main event a number of Newton students went in search of lawmakers to speak to.

Students say they hope this is only the beginning.

"This is just the first step, it's not just a reaction to Parkland, but the start of more action," said Carrie.

And for their part, the adults who showed up said they were impressed and supportive of the student's actions.

"I'm really proud of our students for finding a way for their voices to be heard and joining the chorus," said Stembridge.

Mayor Fuller echoed that.

"I'm so proud of how many students chose to show up and have their voices heard," said Fuller, who added she was impressed that the students merged ending gun violence with Black Lives Matter themes.

>>> Read about how Students Storm State House In Rally For Stricter Gun Laws

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Photos by Jenna