When asked about her intentions concerning the Day of Solutions at Eleanor Roosevelt High School (ERHS) on April 20, student organizer Sophia Riazi-Sekowski replied that it would be not a moment, but a movement – that it won’t stop. The event was aimed to go beyond simply making a statement, but to “utilize that voice to make positive change,” said Principal Reginald McNeill.
Acknowledging the day of the tragic school shooting at Columbine High School in 1999, Day of Solutions was set aside to offer students an opportunity to express their views and concerns on gun violence in schools. Organizers provided laptops and forms for voter registration and pre-registration. Postcards were available for students to write down and share their ideas, and make their commitment to immediate changes to existing gun regulations and school safety protocols, to Maryland legislators. U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer (5th Dist.) and Anthony Brown (4th Dist.) and State Delegate Alonzo Washington were present to show their support for students.
In addition, students were asked to give their opinions on five questions: Would you feel safer with more officers in the school? Do you think teachers should be armed? Does our lockdown procedure make you feel safe? Do you think our school has enough mental health resources? Do you feel safe at ERHS? In about a week’s time, the final tally of responses will be collected and reported.
Read more of this story in the April 26 News Review.