For their efforts in combating gun violence and advocating for stricter firearm laws, a group of courageous Parkland high school students were awarded the International Children’s Peace Prize. According to USA Today, Archbishop Desmond Tutu bestowed the honor to the March For Our Lives organizers, commending them for their quick call to action.
“The peaceful campaign to demand safe schools and communities, and the eradication of gun violence, is reminiscent of other great peace movements in history,” Tutu shared. “I am in awe of these children, whose powerful message is amplified by their youthful energy and an unshakable belief that children can — no, must — improve their own futures.”
March For Our Lives was formed in response to a deadly school shooting that claimed the lives of 17 people. The incident occurred on Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Gunman Nikolas Cruz faces 34 counts that span premeditated to attempted murder. The 20-year-old currently awaits trial in a Broward County jail.
Part of the organization’s plan to enact change includes the end of high-tech firearms and rifles that civilians manage to obtain, plus stricter background checks. In May, the Florida Senate approved the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. The legislation will provide adequate care for those with mental ailments, a structured step-by-step rubric in conducting background checks, and restructured school safety guides to help de-escalate the threat of a mass shooting.
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