After the killings of students and faculty at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. on Feb. 14, ways to better protect students have been debated such as having more armed officers at school buildings.
Parkland, Fla. Students Plan March on Washington; Trump Wants to Fix Background Checks
After a mass shooting, many politicians say that it is the wrong time to talk about stricter gun laws.
However, the survivors of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. think it is the perfect time to discuss stricter gun laws and many plan to march on Washington. D.C. to voice their displeasure with elected officials who take money from the National Rifle Association (NRA).
“We are talking directly to them and all other members of the United States government that are being funded by the NRA to tell them now is the time to get on the right side of this. We’re going to maintain the momentum,” said Emma Gonzales, a senior at Stoneman Douglas.
Using the hash tag #NeverAgain, the survivors of Stoneman Douglas are planning their Washington demonstration, which will be called the March for our Lives.
“We’re here to make change,” said Ariana Ortega, 17, a senior at Stoneman Douglas High School. “We don’t want any other community going through this. There is something wrong with our country right now. This is common sense.”
Apparently, President Donald Trump is listening to their pleas as he said that he would look at current gun laws in an attempt to fix background checks loopholes.
According to the New York Daily News, President Trump is working with Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) on a bipartisan bill to strengthen background check laws.
“While discussions are ongoing and revisions are being considered, the president is supportive of efforts to improve the federal background check system,” said a spokesperson.
Cornyn’s proposed bill would make sure that state and government agencies have a better plan to report red flags to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Trump has faced scrutiny since taking office for not seeking a remedy to the problem of mass shootings in America.
The president has often said it is not the right time to discuss stricter gun laws.
He has also often blamed mental illness, and not guns, for the increase in mass shootings despite reversing legislation enacted under former President Barack Obama, which made it more difficult for people with mental illnesses to buy firearms.
Trump had a listening session with some students and parents of Stoneman Douglas High School on Wednesday.
The president talked about raising the age to buy semi-automatic weapons from 18 to 21.
In the past, Trump has touted his support for the NRA, which backed him during the presidential election of 2016.
His proposed changes to laws have put him in opposition with the NRA, but according to student activists it is a step in the right direction.
