You have heard all the pleas from walkers, or those students who participated in the National School Walkout on March 14, but what about those who chose not to participate?

Junior Christine Zou said that she herself could have easily chosen to walk out but decided not to in the end.

“I think gun control’s a very gray area. On one hand, stricter gun control technically would limit access, but it would also most likely drive crime rates up in a different area.

“Also, I think that people will always be angry, and there will always be evil. Stricter gun control does mean some people will not get guns, but if people really want one, they will go to the extent required to obtain one,” Zou said.

She also acknowledged the other factors that could have contributed to the increased number of shootings.

“Our media practically glorifies shooters by giving them so much attention. As a result, there are people who do not care what kind of attention they get as they just want it,” Zou said.

Others disagreed with the walkout’s intentions as well as senior Noah Kossanyi attests.

“I feel like most students at this school are in favor of more strict gun laws while I personally am not. I strongly believe in the right of self preservation and the freedom to defend myself,” Kossanyi said.

Not only did he disagree with his peers, but he noticed a significant shift in narrative coming from the administration.

“I feel like what the administration wanted the walkout to symbolize was very different than what the students leaders and the nationwide movement as a whole wanted it to mean,” Kossanyi said.

His younger counterparts agreed as they saw the walkout as entirely nonpolitical and therefore pointless.

“It was not political, so it was not going to accomplish anything. Also, it was way too cold,” said Niyati Kanchan, 9.

It appears some students refused to walk because it simply was not worth the trouble while others strongly disagreed with the walkout’s motive. However, they did all notice a division within the student body, one that Zou believes to be mendable.

“People get very defensive, but if you actually spend the time to debate it, some people will come to a compromise, understanding that it is a very blurry topic,” Zou said.