Across the United States last week, many high school students “walked out” of their classrooms in a show of their support for stricter gun control. The nationwide protest was originally organized by survivors of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Students were encouraged to walk out of class for 17 minutes, in honor of the 17 students and staff who lost their lives at the hands of a gunman. Other high schools prepared for the event by offering students an opportunity to gather in designated areas to express their beliefs and opinions—something many administrations felt was important. However, not all gatherings went off without a hitch.
In Chicago’s south side, students at the Simeon Career Academy were given the opportunity to protest for 17 minutes outside of the school. Student activists involved with the organization were surprised by the number of students who walked out. However, the feeling of accomplishment and solidarity was short-lived when dozens of students from Simeon instead made their way to a local Walmart where they went on a rampage.
Video of the incident shows several students rushing through the aisles, knocking over displays and causing chaos inside of the store. Images circulated throughout news outlets and social media showing the destruction.
Watching the footage is infuriating, mostly because the perpetrators vandalized a store within their own community. It pains me to see youngsters in the minority community behaving in this manner. With such disregard for public safety, these students put their community at serious risk. Swift and severe action needs to be taken against the students who took it upon themselves to show the country what little home training they have.
The violence in Chicago continues to make headlines nationwide. Between drugs and drive-by shootings, there hasn’t been much positive news featured in recent years. As people of color, many of us have come together, gaining visibility on issues within our communities that are often overlooked from the outside. Sadly, these students chose to represent the minority community by “doing what’s expected.” Luckily, no one was injured while these thugs played tough-guy inside Walmart.
In response to the vandalism, students at Simeon have volunteered for community service to make up for the actions of their peers. Police and school officials are currently investigating the incident and will attempt to identify the vandals. According to news reports, the guilty parties face misdemeanors and disciplinary action by the school. I’ll be watching to see if justice is actually carried out.
It’s important not to discount young people and their opinions on tough issues like gun control—especially those who are almost old enough to vote, join the military, and choose a path in life via college. There’s a new generation coming up behind us who aren’t afraid to speak their truth. It’s also important not to lump those who peacefully protest in with students who tear through businesses leaving a path of destruction behind. Let’s hope the incident with the students at Simeon doesn’t end up causing people to do that.
