On September 5, 2025, students at East Grand Rapids High School joined thousands of schools across the country in a national walkout to protest the ongoing crisis of gun violence in schools. With 47 school shootings already this year, resulting in the deaths of 19 children and injuries to 77 others, students could no longer sit in silence.
Their message was loud and clear: Gun violence has got to go.
Using handmade signs, passionate voices, and channeling a common goal, students walked out of class to demand action and raise more awareness. This protest was about so much more than just missing class — it was about students standing up for their right to feel safe in school.
“We want to try to provide publicity to the issue. Technically, no one is safe from gun violence, so we should be at least semi-cautious and semi-aware. And, it’s national — so yeah,” Amri Campbell, “28 said.
There was a shared sense of responsibility felt by the students who walked out. There was an urge to speak up, not only for students at East Grand Rapids but also for those across the nation, for the families who lost their son or daughter too young to an issue that needs to be solved. Students didn’t walk out simply to join a trend — they chose to stand up against a problem that has become too normalized in this generation.
“I thought I should exercise my right to protest. I read the news, and all the gun violence, especially in schools, is just not okay. Instead of just sending thoughts and prayers, we have to act on this. We have to step up and do things because nothing’s going to change otherwise,” Natalie Chappus, ‘27, said.
The atmosphere at the walkout was one of both empowerment and uncertainty. For many students, it was their first time participating in a protest, so they had no idea what would happen next. Would they simply be standing in Gerkin Plaza or walking around Gaslight Village?
“A lot of people were really excited at first,” Chappus added. “But then they got confused about what they should do next. Still, it was really powerful — walking out of class and seeing everyone come together.”
In reality, this walkout did very little to combat the issue of gun violence. While it shed light on the issue, school shootings are still happening. To stop these shootings, students need to do more than walk out of class. Students are on the right track by taking action themselves, but there’s still a long way to go.
This walkout was a plea to lawmakers, parents, and peers. Something needs to be done. Students have outwardly expressed their concerns by standing up, but now it’s time for more action and change.
