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OPS students hold gun control walkouts

Posted at 10:33 AM, Apr 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-20 15:36:31-04

On the day that marks the 19th anniversary of one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history, area students will join national demonstrations to advocate for safer schools.

Students protested "the failure of politicians in taking action against gun violence" at Central High School, Burke High School and Bryan Middle School Friday morning. 

Hundreds of students gathered at Central, holding signs and chanting on the school's front steps.

A little after 2 p.m., Omaha Bryan students had a walkout of their own and rallied on the school's football field. 

The Omaha Student's Union said its stance includes hiring more school counselors and therapists while fighting for "comprehensive gun reform" which also covers raising the age for gun purchases.

According to a flyer shared online, student organizers hope demonstrators will deliver petitions to Sen. Deb Fischer's office. Previously, the lawmaker opposed gun control proposals, saying in 2013 that related legislation "would have little or no effect on violent crime - the very problem we are seeking to address in the first place."