Walk out

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

The University of Nevada, Reno and the Washoe County School District recently took opposing stances. UNR president Marc Johnson said University students will not be penalized for participating in the walkout protests, like the ones planned to protest the lax gun-control laws in this country. There’s a nationwide protest planned for March 14.

The school district on the other hand, indicated that, despite some empty platitudes about respecting “emotional intent,” any student who participates in such demonstrations will be marked as tardy or absent.

So, the school district plans to punish civic engagement through the free expression of First Amendment rights. One of the bitter ironies of this is that the students are protesting in favor of the improved safety of schools. The school district is willing to punish students for fighting on their own behalf.

A better gesture would be for willing teachers and administrators to join the protests as well. And why stop there? Butchers, bakers and candlestick-makers should walk out as well. The majority of people in this country favor common-sense gun-control legislation. Something needs to be done so that our legislators hear those voices instead of the money-flavored voices of gun lobbyists.

Anyway. From over here on Fish Wrap Hill, I’d just like to give some props to the students who keep up the good fight. Too bad the Washoe County School District won’t stand behind you.

And once again, I’d like to reiterate that I’m not advocating for getting rid of the Second Amendment—just some common sense gun-control, like background checks and age limits. I support the Second Amendment.

But not as much as I support the First Amendment. Express Yourself. Make your voices heard. Walk out.