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Parkland Aftermath: Florida Lawmakers, Activists Say 'No More' To School Shootings
Thousands of people support students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in a rally for gun control at the Florida capitol (2/21/18).The Florida legislature is poised to pass some of the most sweeping gun control and mental health reforms in more than 20 years. The moves come as lawmakers face pressure from students affected by the Valentine's Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.On Valentine's Day, a 19-year-old in Parkland opened fire on his former classmates at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He killed 14 students, three adults, and injured 14 others. There were warning signs, yet, all, including a tip to the FBI, were missed.That day, school safety measures in place, like school resource officers, restricted access and fencing--all failed.In the wake of the shooting, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas have mobilized, calling on the legislature to take greater action to prevent school and mass shootings. Lawmakers, it seems, are finally listening.https://youtu.be/6PRPEfu7WPg

Greeted By Local Students, Parkland Survivors Arrive At Florida Capital To Talk Gun Control

WFSU | By Sascha Cordner
Published February 20, 2018 at 11:43 PM EST
Gerald Herbert
/
AP Photo
Tanzil Philip, 16, a student survivor from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High Schoo; speaks to a crowd of supporters and media at Leon High School, in Tallahassee, Fla.

100 Parkland students arrived at the Florida Capital Tuesday night. They were met by Tallahassee students, who want to join them in swaying state lawmakers to their gun control cause.

As Parkland students, teachers, and parents got off the buses, hundreds of Leon County High school students cheered them on. And, Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school sophomore Tanzil Philip, 16, says he’s grateful for their support.

“Our message is very simple, and it’s #NeverAgain,” he said to the crowd of 500. “We cannot let anything like this happen to us ever again. We never thought it would happen to us in the first place. And, I’m so happy to see all of my friends here supporting me, and it’s amazing to see all of you come out and support all of us in this awful time. Thank you.”

Tallahassee high school students will receive an excused absence, if they attend a rally planned at the Capitol Wednesday around noon with Parkland shooting survivors. Parkland students also have meetings planned with top House and Senate leadership as well as Governor Rick Scott.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.
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State News educationMarjory Stoneman DouglasgunsSchool ShootingParkland Shooting
Sascha Cordner
Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.
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