Austin Students Stage School Walkout Calling For Gun Laws Reform

AUSTIN, TX — Some 2,000 students engaged in a class walkout on Friday to converge at the state Capitol on Friday in a demonstration calling for stricter gun laws.

Students participating in the rally met at Woolridge Square Park at noon before marching en masse to the Capitol, where a series of speakers addressed the gathering from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Students participating in the rally came from several local schools: Akins; Anderson; Ann Richards; Austin Hight School; Austin Waldorf; Bowie; Griffin; Headwaters; Lake Travis; LASA/LBJ; McCallum; NYOS; Reagan; St. Andrews; St. Stephens; and Westlake.

Among the dignitaries at the rally were U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat from Austin. In his remarks, Doggett said students have been forced to take to protesting in the absence of gun control measures. Demonstrations calling for stricter gun laws have intensified since the mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. left 17 people dead in one of the nation's deadliest school massacres.

Since that tragedy, students from all over the country have demonstrated to demand stricter gun laws to help prevent such mass shootings in the future. Friday's student-led protest was one of many such rallies taking place across the country as part of the National School Walkout initiative.

“They walked out on their responsibility to secure our schools and our workplaces," Doggett told the gathering of politicians averse to passing meaningful gun control measures. "They walked out on Austin. They surrendered to the NRA (National Rifle Association).”

Julia Heilrayne, a sophomore at Austin High School, delivered an impassioned speech set to poetic rhythm and cadence: "I am part a a generation that is one of the most affected by the adults who want their second amendment right protected," she told the gathering. "You should know kids my age we have mass shootings, not war. We are a generation who are watching our friends fall to the floor, shot by yet another example of gun abuse. I am part of a generation that isn't interested in yet another excuse."

Julia Heilrayne delivers her rhymed speech

She alluded to the voting age many of those gathered are fast approaching, newly minted voters who will make their umbrage known at the voting booth as well: "I am part of a generation defined by the pop of a gunshot. We're your future, and we're tired of being your afterthought! I am part of a generation demanding that politicians listen to what we yell! We are the generation that will be this nation's alarm bell!"

Julia Heilrayne after delivering her speech

The youngest of the speakers, ten-year-old Felix, told those gathered that he's been bullied for his small stature and skin color. He called for tolerance among those protesting as a hallmark of their movement.

Felix sits with his parents on the Capitol steps after delivering his speech

Maya Cruz, a freshman at Crockett High School, told Patch she came to the rally in honor of her uncle who was the victim of gun violence. "I am doing this in honor of him," she said, pointing to custom-made T-shirt with a picture of her deceased uncle. "And the fact I have a younger sister who at any moment could be shot in the middle of class if these weapons are allowed on the street."

Asked to respond to critics who reduce students' efforts as just a reason to skip class, Cruz pointed to her and her friends' signs and participation in the rally since morning. "Look at me," she said. "I'm sitting here listening to what is being said. I had signs made. I'm with my peers. We've been out there chanting. We've been here since ten. If this really was about just skipping school, I would be home," she said. "I wouldn't be here."

Students in outlying areas also participated in school walkouts, including those in Round Rock and Pflugerville. In a letter sent to parents ahead of the march, Pflugerville ISD Superintendent Douglas Killian offered some measure of support for students' organizing. But in the same letter, he noted the walkout from class would be considered an unexcused absence.

"Educating students about the importance of civic engagement is essential," Killian said. "I believe that students should understand the world they live in and how to be productive, active citizens. Civic action has always been a part of the American consciousness. PfISD is not endorsing or encouraging a walkout; however, our campus principals are prepared to be present and supervise any demonstration that takes place at our schools.

"Our teachers will continue to teach throughout the day, and any work missed due to being absent from class will be the responsibility of the student.Students who leave campus, or those who do not return from any form of on-campus demonstration within a reasonable amount of time, will receive unexcused absences and could be subject to disciplinary consequences."

>>> Photos by Tony Cantú