Since the aftermath of a school shooting that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, many students and teachers across the state of Florida and around the country have been proposing school walk-outs in protest of gun violence. Students in high schools at Heritage High School and Titusville High School in Brevard County have staged walk-outs in the past week.

“I like the idea of [school walk-outs],” sophomore Lexi Vander said. “I think it’s pretty empowering for all the people participating in it. It could have a pretty good effect on enforcing gun laws.”

Junior Madeline Anderson said walkouts could affect change.

“These [walk-outs] are happening because we have been negligent in taking action against [gun control],” she said. “If it were a simple problem, it would have been solved already. I’m supportive of any nonviolent movement to get our government going. I don’t necessarily agree with anything that hinders education, but I do understand. Education is important, but the message is just as important. I would participate [in a walk-out] if it wouldn’t hinder activities that I find important to me.”

In Brevard County, walk-outs have been planned for March 14 and April 20.

By Alana Mayott