Samantha Inscore, junior education major, is planning a protest March 24 at the state capitol in Topeka in conjunction with the nationwide March for our Lives protest. March for our Lives was created by students in the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that left 17 people dead.
“The focus for the protest is that we want common-sense gun laws,” Inscore said. “We are looking for more extensive background checks and the restriction or elimination of assault weapons. We don’t want teachers armed in the classroom.”
The shootings in Parkland inspired Inscore, along with many others around the nation, she said. After Inscore watched Parkland survivor Emma Gonzalez’s speech, which went viral online, she was inspired to spark a change in Kansas.
“Our main tool for spreading the word has been through the use of social media,” Inscore said. “I have also recently enlisted the help of Representative Jim Ward to sponsor our protest at the Capitol.”
Their social media accounts are, @EnoughIsEnoughProtest on Instagram, @EnoughMovement_ on Twitter and they also have a Facebook event called “March For Our Lives – Topeka, KS Enough Is Enough Rally.”
“From the very beginning I wanted this to be a peaceful protest,” Inscore said. “I truly believe that the only way for change to occur is by showing love and shining a light on others. I knew that we could not fight hate with more hate and expect positive results.”
According to the Facebook page, change will happen by having stricter gun control, paying more attention to mental illness, security, training and to stop “glorifying” nationwide shootings on the media.
Inscore will be giving a speech along with two other speakers who are yet to be announced.
“One is a survivor of gun violence and the other is prominent political figure in the Topeka area,” Inscore said. “Afterwards, we will have a sit-in with hopes that some of the legislators we have emailed with take time out of their Saturday to come hear our thoughts.”
Inscore said that even though the protest is organized by students, all people are welcome to join.
“We would like anyone of all walks to join us,” Inscore said. “Students, teachers, parents, and grandparents. There is power in numbers.”