Bridgewater-Raritan Students Walk Out, Say 'Never Again'

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater-Raritan High School students walked out of class at 10 a.m. on Wednesday to send a message that they will no longer be victims to gun violence in schools and to call for stricter firearm laws.

Jaden Diaz, who is a junior of the high school, was among those who walked.

"We didn't march for ourselves today. We marched in solidarity. We are children and we are tired of not having a say in legislation that threatens our lives. Our message is meant to be heard by the adults in our lives. We were not our own audience. The whole nation watched us today as we marched alongside schools across the country," Diaz said.

"We speak for the 17 kids that lost their lives on Feb. 14. As for Leonard Lance who disconnected his phone today to avoid our calls. Some of us can vote and within a few years we will be voting. Your job is to hear us, ignoring us to protect your 93 percent approval rating from the NRA is a choice you regret in the coming years. We have a voice and that voice says #NEVERAGAIN," Diaz continued.

Chief of Staff for Lance, Todd Mitchell, countered Diaz's statements saying that they answered every call made to the office on Wednesday morning.

"Those who called were told that Congressman Lance has always supported common-sense measures to address gun violence and help protect students, teachers and educational support professionals from future school shootings," Mitchell said. "Among these actions include championing legislation to require background checks for all gun purchases, to strengthen school security, to ban dangerous bump stocks and to deny violent and dangerous individuals from purchasing weapons."

Lance also voted in favor of the “Student Teachers Officers and Parents (STOP) School Violence Prevention Act” which funds training and security measures for schools to better recognize warning signs and institutes reporting systems for potential threats. This bill would add additional safety measures in schools in an effort to prevent tragedies like Parkland.

The 17-minute walkout is one of hundreds that were held across the United States spearheaded by the Enough National School Walkout of the Women's March Youth EMPOWER nonprofit. The length of time is done in memory of the 17 victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida earlier this year. (See Related: Florida Shooting Victim, 14, Lived In NJ, 'Loved, Well-Respected')

Police officers added extra security at the school during the walkout and sent an alert to residents notifying them of their presence.

(Images via Jaden Diaz)

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