SASS event to promote youth political involvement
Students can register to vote and contact representatives today at the Students Against School Shootings (SASS) event after school in room 230.
The Students Against School Shootings (SASS), a newly founded group of West and City High students petitioning for stricter gun regulations, will provide a place for students to voice their concerns to Iowa representatives in the Senate and House following the walkout earlier this week.
City High class president Teagan Roeder ’18 gives a speech during the walkout on Feb. 19 in downtown Iowa City.
¨Both schools are doing this together because this isn’t just an issue for one school; it’s a nationwide issue,¨ SASS organizer Wala Siddig ’18 said. “We just want to make sure there is some policy to prevent another school shooting or at least minimize the fatalities.¨
Late yesterday evening, West High’s Student Senate executive board announced their decision to sponsor the student-run event, which will be calling attention to Iowa’s gun regulations.
“[It’s] for students to call and write letters to representatives…. The main focus will be on gun laws, but students can write about other topics they are passionate about as well,” an email from the executive board said.
The event will take place at both schools after classes are dismissed. For West students, the meeting will be in room 230, and for City it will be in the commons.
“Tomorrow is a chance [and] given privilege for the youth to influence politics. Not all of us are eligible to vote, so tomorrow’s meeting is essential for us to get through to the adults who are in control of our legislation,” Safeya Siddig ‘18 said. “Participating in politics for the youth should not just stop at protesting; this is where our movement continues.”
Participating in politics for the youth should not just stop at protesting; this is where our movement continues
— Safeya Siddig ´18
Volunteers from the League of Women Voters will also be present to help students register to vote and understand Iowa’s new photo ID laws.
¨No matter what stance someone takes, their voices deserve to be heard,¨ Wala said. ¨People will be registering to vote tomorrow, so even if they don’t care about gun regulations and school shootings, registration is still very important.¨
The executive board ends the email saying, “This is a great chance for students to be more politically involved in our community.¨
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Brad Wilson • Feb 23, 2018 at 7:37 pm
I think they’re on channel 2 news tonight.
Brad Wilson • Feb 23, 2018 at 7:36 pm
They had a great showing at Senator Grassley’s town hall in Manchester today.
Loni Parrott • Feb 22, 2018 at 10:07 pm
I am SO PROUD of our students!