On February 14, 2018,  a school shooting occurred at a high school in Parkland, Florida, killing seventeen and injuring many others. The tragedy has ignited controversy and arguments about gun laws in America and how to move forward. This shooting, however, seems to be taking a different toll, as the students affected by it have no plans to remain silent. Their actions have sparked protests nationwide to put congressmen in a corner on gun regulation. The movement, titled “#Enough” is advertised with no-nonsense graphics across the most prevalent social media platforms.

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The students have planned a walkout from their local high schools for March 14, which will last for seventeen minutes – one minute represents each student killed in the massacre from the month prior. Despite what many people are considering brave and heroic of the students, there are many people who not only disagree, but are calling for punishment of the students who participate. According to CNN, multiple school districts, such as one in Waukesha, Wisconsin, will be disciplining any and all students who decide to participate. According to the district’s Superintendent, Todd Gray, “Participation in a walkout is disruptive and against school regulations, and will subject students to disciplinary measures”.

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However, in the midst of all of this, many colleges and universities have promised to not punish these students for the incoming bad marks on their transcripts. One of the first schools to speak out was Penn State, who posted a statement on their official Twitter, saying “Students who are disciplined for walking out or otherwise staging a respectful and peaceful protest against gun violence, are hereby assured that it can be reported on their Penn State application without adverse effect on their admission decision”. Other schools that have followed suit are George Washington University, MIT, Dartmouth, Yale, and many other prestigious institutions. According to The Collegian, “State College is also planning an event in support of the victims, with a vigil at the Allen Street Gates slated for 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26”.

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A much bigger march, coined March for Our Lives, is planned for March 24 in Washington D.C., following the likeness of the Women’s March that had occurred earlier this year. According to Mashable, late night show host Jimmy Fallon will be attending, saying “I stand behind you guys and I will be marching alongside you with my wife and two children in D.C. to show our support.” The Washington Post, who had access to an event permit application for the march, says organizers “are expecting up to 500,000 attendees.”