'We've had enough:' School walkouts Wednesday following deadly shooting in Florida
Rufus King
MILWAUKEE -- Thousands of students across the country will walk out of school on Wednesday, March 14, to protest gun violence one month after 17 people were killed inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. That includes students in the Milwaukee area.
They are young voices taking on a giant issue.
"We as students, as residents of Milwaukee, are terrified, angry and have had enough," said Tatiana Washington, student at Rufus King High School.
Rufus King
Milwaukee Public Schools students, along with thousands of others across the country, are planning on protesting gun violence by joining the national walkout.
"We are a study body and a school united in action against gun violence," said a Rufus King High School student.
Rufus King
MPS officials have sent letter to parents explaining safety guidelines for the walkout and guidelines for those who wish to stay inside.
"I'm very happy that I can participate without being suspended," said Marvell Reed, student at Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education.
The Milwaukee Youth Council will be voting on a resolution that supports the national student walkout and a "March for Our Lives" rally planned for Saturday.
Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Darienne Drive tweeted on Friday, March 9, her support for the movement.
Florida school shooting victims
A majority of schools are planning some sort of moment of silence in honor of the 17 lives lost. Some districts are also planning prayers and marches.
In Waukesha County, one school is taking a different approach. A group of students at Hamilton High School came together to plan what they're calling a "walk in."
"It's a school-organized event. Every single person can participate," said Jasmyn Ware, Hamilton High School student.
Florida school shooting victims
Ware said with the help of administrators, their plan on Wednesday is for students to be dismissed 10 minutes early. This will allow everyone to attend an after-school event commemorating the 17 victims in Florida, and the survivors demanding change.
"They're cry to make sure it wasn't forgotten I think resonated in the hearts of everyone," said Ware.
Hamilton High School
Jasmyn Ware
Hamilton High School senior Chase Meadows said he's going to document the event.
"We know with the power of social media, we could send this video and photographs to the families," Meadows said.
The school's choirs will perform and a silent vigil will follow. Posters in honor of the victims will also be displayed.
"Regardless of what people's political stances are, what we are about is just creating a safe environment," said Meadows.
Hamilton High School
In Brown Deer, students were required to turn in a permission slip before they'd be allowed to take part in the walkout.
Catholic Memorial High School
At Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, instead of walking out, students have planned activities that'll take place mostly inside.
"We'll have a dozen different events and activities. The students wanted to do something that was meaningful and productive," an administrator said.
Activities will include everything from group prayer to listening to a survivor of the Columbine shooting.
In Waterford, students will rally in support of gun rights.
Wyatt Strasser and Gavin Morawetz
"We decided to have our own walkout to show you can show support of the victims while being in support of guns. I feel like students shouldn't be generalized just because a small group from any school walks out," said Wyatt Strasser and Gavin Morawetz.
Students said there will be two groups that'll walk out in Waterford.
Here is a list of some of the schools in SE Wisconsin that are taking part in the walkout Wednesday:
Stoneman Douglas High School