Local High School Students Calling on Governor Jerry Brown for Sane Gun Safety Legislation

DUBLIN, CA–Local Tri-Valley high school students are rallying with their peers from across the country in support of sane gun safety legislation, as part of the #NationalSchoolWalkout (led by Connecticut student Lane Murdock), planned on April 20, 2018, the 19th anniversary of the Columbine massacre. As has been the case for earlier protests, teens are using social media to meet virtually and organize real-world protests.

Dublin High School seniors are currently leading a letter-writing campaign to Governor Jerry Brown demanding sane gun safety legislation, and are calling for support from the broader community. Here is how you can help with just a few minutes of your time:

Below is a sample letter with a few sections to personalize in [bold] that you can copy and paste, and send electronically to Governor Jerry Brown through this online form: https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/gov39mail/ (there is a “Gun Control” option when selecting the subject).

Dear Governor Brown:

As you may be aware, there have been multiple incidents of gunfire on school campuses since the beginning of 2018. As [students, parents, staff], we feel helpless and know that without change, these acts of school violence will repeat themselves. We are tired of the status quo and we are taking a stand and demanding change. We are advocating for stricter gun laws and access to better mental health care. Students should not have to go to school with worries about their safety or if they will even return home at the end of the day.

California has often played an important role in our country. I am calling upon you to take action and support legislation which will lead the end of gun violence in the United States. I demand [better mental health facilities, more school counselors, safer schools (bullet proof glass, closed campuses), a ban on military assault rifles including bump stocks, increasing the age of buying a firearm to 21 and universal background checks].

The United States experiences dis-proportionally high instances of deaths due to gun violence. Our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness should be a top priority. The complacency and lack of change exhibited by United States government concerning gun control is a violation of my fundamental right to live in safety. No one should have to fear a gun when they go to school, church, the movies, the mall, or any other public place. I demand change and a safer America.

The #NationalSchoolWalkout video produced by Dublin High School student Shayan Bawaney: