Students to walk out in memory of Columbine

By KAYLA GLEASON

STAFF WRITER

Today, on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine massacre, students across Charlotte County will take to the streets to protest gun violence.

As part of a nationwide walkout, local high school students will join thousands of their peers across the United States to continue their fight for stronger gun control laws.

Starting at 10 a.m., participants will march or drive to Rep. Tom Rooney’s office in Punta Gorda, where over 500 people are expected to gather.

Florida SouthWestern State College is opening their event to the public. The college asks those interested to meet at the Belltower Courtyard prior to the march.

Charlotte and Port Charlotte High School students, who are risking repercussions ranging from unexcused absences to suspension to test failure in order to make their voices heard, will also converge at the office.

“One of the problems is that they have state testing that day,” said Charlotte district spokesperson Michael Riley.

“That’s not up to us, but we really do expect them to be there.”

Riley warned that participation in the walkout could impact student test scores, and therefore their chances for graduation and even college acceptance.

Safety is also a big concern for administrators. “For the last walkout, we had events on campus, student speakers, a moment of silence. If they walk off campus, we can’t protect them. They’re out of our control,” said Riley.