Brandeis students commemorate Columbine shootings with walkout, rally

Brandeis students joined in a national movement on the anniversary of the shootings at Columbine High School by walking out of classes in protest of gun violence in America.

Brandeis students joined in a national movement on the anniversary of the shootings at Columbine High School by walking out of classes in protest of gun violence in America.

Students who partook in the walkout gathered at the Light of Reason art installation outside the Rose Art Museum for a rally against gun violence at 10 a.m. on April 20, 19 years to the day after 13 students died in shootings at Columbine.

The event was organized by Brandeis Never Again, a broad coalition of students calling for reforms to gun laws. Speakers at the event included Brandeis students Josh Moll '19, Leah Sagan-Dworsky '21, Roland Blanding 21, Susannah Miller '19, Jordan Mudd '20, Kwesi Jones '21, Julianna Scionti '20, Victoria Richardson '20, Sagie Tvizer '19, Shaquan McDowell '18 and Renee Korgood '20. Outside speakers also attened, including activist Charlotte Lowell, Ned Notis-McConarty, and Waltham City Councilor Kristine Mackin, PhD'14.

Mackin said Columbine was the first mass school shooting in her memory, and recalled how people viewed it as an isolated incident at the time. She told the students in the crowd that previous generations have failed them on the issue of gun violence in America, and she encouraged them to continue the movement for gun reform through future elections.

"Your actions only turn into policy when you make your voices heard at the ballot box," she said.

Brandeis Never Again previously organized a walkout in March, following the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and several other events during the semester. Learn more about the group on its Facebook page.