DALLAS — Students from several campuses across Dallas Independent School District participated in school walkout demonstrations to speak out against gun violence Wednesday.
Students from Wilmer Hutchins High School, Sunset High School, Bryan Adams High School and Townview High School were among those who participated in the demonstrations. The teens said their mission was to raise awareness about school shootings, while getting the attention of lawmakers.
“We walked out of our classrooms because we are tired of the simple fact that we are neglected when it comes to school shootings,” said high school senior Tobi Collins.
The Dallas ISD students joined thousands of teens from schools across the country in the noon walkout events. Many of them held signs reading phrases like "Stop Gun Violence," "Students Lives Matter," and "Protect Children Not Guns."
“It’s really crazy that there’s so much stuff happening right now, and we have to go up to this point to fix it,” said Martavion Barton, a high school sophomore.
The school walkouts come on the heels of several school shootings across the county in recent weeks.
In North Texas, one student was shot and killed, and another was injured at Lamar High School in Arlington last month. The next day, a student was shot outside Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas.
“We’re all frustrated and certainly the children who are affected most are extremely frustrated," Sen. Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) said. “There are babies dying in our state because the few people that control this state simply don’t care.”
Gutierrez has been one of the most outspoken on gun issues in Texas. His district includes Uvalde where an 18-year-old murdered 19 students and two teachers.
After Uvalde, Gov. Greg Abbott and other lawmakers focused on mental health and hardening schools. His state of the state speech mentioned guns but not Uvalde.
“Some want more gun laws but the fact is too many local officials won’t enforce the gun laws that are already on the books," Abbott said.
Some of the teens protesting admit school shootings have made them afraid.
“If we can pass laws for this and this, why can’t we pass laws for people who are getting those guns so easily?” Collins asked.
Many of the teens said they believe what they want from lawmakers is simple.
“Look at us. Try to listen to us,” Barton said. “Instead of trying to protect us, try to hear us!”
Rep. Bryan Slaton (R-Greenville), Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), Rep. Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler), Rep. Ryan Guillen (R-Rio Grande City) and Gov. Greg Abbott all could not be reached for comment on the protests and prospective gun law changes.
Rep. Craig Goldman (R-Fort Worth), who chairs the Texas House GOP caucus, said he had no comments and doesn't talk publicly about guns. Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington) also was not available to talk.
Texas GOP Chairman Matt Rinaldi said he was unavailable to speak, as well.
Gutierrez points to polls showing 78% of Texans support universal background checks with 66% in favor of red flag laws.
“This is easy stuff. We’re not talking about taking people’s guns. We’re talking about common sense gun solutions," he said. “I think it’s gross. I think it’s disgusting, and our children are dying because these men think they know better.”
Students said they will continue protesting and making their voices heard. Many said they will also begin writing to their lawmakers to express their concerns about gun violence in and around schools.