Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

Students across Kentucky walked out of class last week to protest gun violence. In Jefferson County, they held pictures of slain students at Parkland, Florida. Some held candles. One middle school student held a sign that said "The NRA loves their guns more than they love kids." Hundreds rallied at the capitol in Frankfort with signs that said "Never Again" and "Books Not Bullets." The protests took place across the country. Which brings us to the question of the propriety of student protests. Administrators in Oldham County disagreed with the protests and said that students who walked out would face disciplinary action. School violence is a cause of concern for all, especially for students and parents. Walking out of class is a sure way to bring attention to the issue but it’s another question entirely whether it’s effective or helpful.