Lauren Lantry, lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, in the wake of the Parkland shooting, students across the country are walking out of class to advocate for gun violence prevention.
In response, Sierra Student Coalition Director Karissa Gerhke released the following statement:
"Today’s national walkout led by inspirational students from across the country brings us hope for a future without gun violence. The Sierra Student Coalition and the Sierra Club applaud every student walking out of class across the country today to advocate for a safer future. Gun violence has taken a stunning toll in classrooms, churches, theatres, and neighborhoods in every community in our nation. But these students, from thousands of different schools, are leading the way to a safer future by joining together to to claim their right to live, learn, work, play, and pray in a safe environment. No one should ever go to school and worry about never returning home just like no child should worry about walking down the street and no one should be worried for their life at a routine traffic stop. Rooted in a push for generational justice and equity, the Sierra Student Coalition and the Sierra Club advocates for a safe climate and protecting our communities from threats to our health -- including keeping communities safe from gun violence."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.