Students Already Spark Change

Post date: Apr 05, 2018 1:5:27 PM

Published 3/2/18

By Nick Robertson, '19

NICOLE BETSCHER/REM

Liza Allen, ‘19, and Ruby Krimmer, ‘19, raise signs during the walkout Feb. 21. Krimmer’s sign reads, “We are Walnut. We are Change,” representing the change students are pushing in the U.S.

Following protests, walkouts and speeches from students across the country, many companies have changed their stances on guns and the National Rifle Association (NRA). Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart have changed their policies, requiring all customers to be 21 years old to buy firearms or ammunition. Delta also removed its partnership with the NRA, discontinuing their exclusive Delta credit card.

Meeting with lawmakers in Florida, a group of survivors of the Parkland, Fla. school shooting also advocated for gun control legislation. After attending, President Trump said during a cabinet meeting, “Take the guns first, go through due process second.” This ostensibly marks a significant change in the President’s opinion, and may lead to actual legislative progress in the future. Nevertheless, student action is already having an immense impact on the discussion and policy surrounding guns.