A Chinese American youth group joined some 200 other high school students in front of San Francisco City Hall as part of a national school walkout against violence Friday.
Members of the Chinese Progressive Association Youth Movement of Justice and Organization (MOJO) say they were inspired to act after the recent shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland and the failure of political leaders to pass laws to protect the country from gun violence.
April 20 also marked the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting nearly 20 years ago.
“The United States is one of the largest arms producers and exporters in the world, and it is absurd that the United States cares more about making money off of the gun industry by empowering gun owners and violent individuals,” says Nevin Chin, MOJO Core Leader. “Some people feel like they need to have guns to protect themselves. But we have to ask ourselves — Why don’t we feel protected in the first place?”
The National Rifle Association spent $50 million on political advertisements in the last general election. According to Quartz, $11.4
went to support then presidential candidate Donald Trump. That’s part of the $14.5 million spent to support Republican candidates. The other $34.5 million was spent opposing Democratic candidates.
Through April 20 of this year, CNN reports there have been 20 school shootings in the United States involving at least one student being shot.
“For so many students, including myself, school is a safe haven when we’re dealing with problems at home or in our lives. I’m standing in solidarity with students around the country today because students deserve the right to feel and be safe in schools and communities. Instead of more weapons, we need more systems of support.” says Lisa Lai, MOJO Core Leader.
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