Waukee Walkout

In the wake of the Perry High School shooting on January 4, schools across Iowa held walkouts against gun violence. Waukee High School’s walkout, organized by senior Hala White, took place at 12 pm on Monday, January 8. Around 15-20 students attended, mobilized by the cause to make schools safer for students, they came together to make posters and give support in preparation for a protest later in the day at the state capitol, which occurred at 1pm. 

Participants expressed their concerns about the seemingly endless news of students being harmed and killed at school. Students of every grade joined Hala White in the hall by the athletic doors, preparing to leave the building. Junior Cate Peace chose to walk out Monday to raise awareness to legislators as well as members of the community who don’t realize the severity of the problem. “Everybody has a right to feel safe at a place where they are required to be,” Peace said. “It’s messed up that we live in a country where this can even happen in the first place.”

“It feels like these days a lot of bad things can happen,” said Isaiah Lawson, a sophomore. Lawson walked out in support of those who were affected by the Perry shooting. According to police, a Perry High School student shot six people on January 4, killing a sixth grader, before killing himself. “I want this effort to reach out to anyone who’s affected by gun violence to let them know that people care and that we’re fighting to make a change.” 

Hala White, who organized the walkout at WHS, heard about the shooting and knew she needed to take action. “A walkout was the first thing that came to mind,” she said. “I knew I would have to let my classmates know, so I started creating graphics and posters to post on social media.” White is the editor of The Arrowhead’s sister publication, Kee Scroll magazine.. Organizers of walkouts or other student-led protests are not allowed to advertise within the school or on school-sponsored social media accounts. Participants are counted truant unless they are called out by a parent. 

Kiera Shadd, a sophomore, said that everyone from the principal to the officials in the capitol need to see that students are wanting change. “If walking out is going to make a difference when it comes to the loss, impacting how safe kids are at school, and laws might be able to change then, yeah, I’ll walkout.” 

Although the walkout did not endorse any specific next steps, participants wanted to make sure they are doing everything they can to make an impact. 

Iowa’s legislature and governor have enacted laws that make gun access and ownership more lenient in recent years. But Monday’s protestors advocated for the opposite. Lawson is in favor of stricter gun laws and more safety regulations. Peace said, “I believe, first and foremost, removing access to guns would be the best deterrent for the problem.” 

Peace also stressed the importance of school-based support systems. “I believe first and foremost, removing access to guns would be the best deterrent for the problem. Obviously we need to have better mental health support systems in place, I feel like it’s an issue of people not trusting the resources we have, like our counselors, and not being willing to seek them out. I also feel like we as students need to be more vocal when we hear our peers saying things that indicate that they’re planning on doing violent things like what happened in Perry,” said Cate Peace. 

Lawson also says that stricter gun laws and regulations would help to prevent violence in schools.

On Monday, White brought supplies for protestors to create their own signs and blue ribbons for participants to wear for the rest of the day. Those in attendance gave advice to those who could not participate or go to the capitol. 

“Just make your voice heard, we can reach out to government officials, teachers, parents, and adults. We have a voice, and if we don’t use it, then the problem is never going to be solved,” said Cate Peace.

Kiera Shadd urges students to write letters to people in charge, and talk about the issue with parents and peers. “I know that it’s not just mental health, it’s loss, too,” said Shadd. 

“Go out into public and show your support, show that you care,” Lawson said. 

Speaking out on social media, communicating with counselors and teachers, and even using fashion or symbolism to show support for a cause are some ways that people can help. Even a small gesture can speak volumes, and when alongside others, voices are given even more power.

The walkout was an important moment for students to come together to give support and condolences to the students at Perry High School. Waukee students and staff have Perry High School in their hearts, and are willing to stand up in alliance with those whose lives have been affected by gun violence. 

“There aren’t even words for what happened, but I hope that they know that people across the state and across the country are sending them strength and support and that we are all sorry that they had to experience that,” said Cate Peace.