ALLEGAN, Mich. — Hundreds of high school students across the country walked out of their schools to protest gun violence and in honor of the 19th anniversary of the Columbine Shootings. Austin Marsman and Matthew Cogar joined the protest. However they stayed in front of their laptops at the Allegan Tech Center.
“We’re not walking outside,” said Cogar during an interview at the center. “We’re calling. We’re emailing. We’re sending texts. We’re writing letters. We’re doing everything we can.”
The two said they spent part of Friday reaching out to their local politicians saying “enough is enough." They want laws changed. They’d like to see a ban on bump stocks and strict background checks for people who want to purchase guns.
“School safety is No. 1,” said Cogar who’s in favor of a banning assault weapons. “There’s no need for them.”
Marsman said people convicted of domestic violence and sexual assault should not have concealed carry permits. People who are on the terrorist watch list shouldn’t have access to guns.
“This is an issue that shouldn’t fade from the headlines,” Marsman continued. “They need to know we demand action.”
One politician they’ve been reaching out to is Senator Tonya Schuitmaker (R-Lawton). The students said she condemned their protest on March 14 which was in response to the deadly shooting at Marjory Stonemason Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. They said she deemed it "unacceptable" and said she was "disappointed" in them. The students, along with 10 others, have since called her over a dozen time and have gone to her officer hours whenever she’s in town.
“I did receive a form letter
