National School Walkout Demonstrations in the CSRA

If you haven’t heard, tomorrow March 14th is the National Walkout Day for schools nationwide. A lot of people are taking to social media to sound off on whether this is a good idea or if students should remain in school for the day. Here at CSRA Kids, we are all about information. We want to empower make decisions that better your family and help you create lasting memories. There is no doubt about it…this last school shooting has ignited a large conversation in our nation and for most parents…it has moved to their living rooms and dining tables. So, before tomorrow comes, we want to provide you with information that will help you hold a productive and meaningful conversation with your kids. 

Why Are Students Walking Out?

The National School Walkout is a nationwide protest that is a memorial and a protest action. The protest is called to honor the 17 students killed at Stoneman Douglas and to urge lawmakers to pass stricter gun control laws. 

Who Started This Movement?

The protest has been called by EMPOWER, a youth branch that is part of the Women’s March organization.
You can read more about them here. Website Link

Is This Protest About School Shootings or Banning Guns?

According to the EMPOWER website, the demands are as follows:

“We demand that Congress enact an immediate resolution declaring gun violence a public health crisis and dedicating federal funding to research solutions and implement violence intervention programs. We demand Congress recognize all forms of gun violence, including violence committed by police.”

For a full list of what laws the group supports and oppose, visit this link. Website Link

What Time Are They Walking Out?

The National School Walkout will begin at 10 AM and will last for 17 minutes. The 17 minutes are in honor of the students lives that were taken in the tragedy in Parkland, FL. 

Is My School Participating?

Aiken County Schools

According to the Aiken Standard, the Aiken County School District is in complete support of students that choose to walk out. You can read the article here. Article Link

Richmond County Schools

According to a statement released by the Richmond County School District, they will be providing safe places for children to protest. You can read the press release here. Letter for National Walkout – Richmond County

Columbia County Schools

My research has concluded that there is potential for walkout’s at Columbia County Schools, but they will be dealt with on a school by school basis. I urge you to contact your school for information. There is a statement issued in the Augusta Chronicle by Superintendent Sara Carraway. You can read that here. Article Link

We hope this article provides you with the information you need to make decisions as a family. For more information about how to prevent school shootings and other resources, please visit these following links. 

School Violence Prevention – National Association of School Psychologists
Prevention Programs – Sandy Hook Promise
School Violence: Prevention Tools and Resources – CDC