For second year, Durham students walk out to protest gun violence

Students at Durham School of the Arts staged a walkout Wednesday to show their intolerance for gun violence at schools across the state and the country.

Posted 4:36 p.m. Apr 5, 2023 — Updated 11:08 p.m. Apr 5, 2023

Monica Casey

, WRAL reporter

DURHAM, N.C. — Students at Durham School of the Arts staged a walkout Wednesday to show their intolerance for gun violence at schools across the state and the country.

Durham Public Schools administrators told WRAL News the walkout was student-led but fully supported by the principal and staff.

"We are all here in support of them because we feel that they're the future, and they can lead change," said Principal Jackie Tobias.

The students on Wednesday protested gun violence in response to the March 27 school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. Six people were shot killed inside the school, including three 9-year-olds, a school custodian, a substitute teacher and the head of the school. The shooter, a former student, was killed by police.

Wednesday was not the first time students in Durham protested gun violence. Students at Hillside High School and Leesville Road High School in Raleigh held a walkout last May after the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

Students at Durham School of the Arts said they walked out a year ago, yet nothing has changed.

"It's sad. It's disheartening," said senior Jordan Parker. "I'd like to see a difference – more legislation on guns. We need change. We're calling for it.

"If you don't do anything, then nothing will happen," she said. "We feel what's important is we showed up and showed out today. And if the same thing needs to happen next year, hopefully they carry on and keep showing their voice and support."

There were more than 20 instances of guns at Triangle-area schools in February and dozens more since.

The threats of gun violence and reports of weapons brought to school is spread throughout the state, impacting Wake, Durham and Johnston counties, among others. Last week, students at two schools in Lee County were required to pass through metal detectors before entering the buildings.

Metal detectors are being installed in Johnston County schools, and Granville County recently approved plans for metal detectors in elementary schools.

A decision about metal detectors has not been made in Wake or Durham schools.

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