Denbigh High students walk out, demand end to gun violence: There’s ‘no reason that we should be scared to go to school’

NEWPORT NEWS — “How many more? How many more? How many more?”

The question rang out in front of Denbigh High School Friday afternoon, as dozens of students walked out of classes chanting and demanding action to end gun violence. Student organizers said they planned the walkout because many students don’t feel safe at school.

“There is no reason that we should be scared to go to school,” said Madison Calistro, 16.

She said there was a social media threat of a shooting at Denbigh just that morning. School officials could not be reached Friday afternoon to confirm that.

Dulce Tapia, 16, also helped organize the walkout. Tapia said it came about as a response to the gun violence the division has experienced, including at Richneck Elementary and Heritage High School.

Dozens of students walked out of classed at Denbigh High School May 12, 2023. They were protesting against gun violence. (Provided to the Daily Press)

“Every day on the news, someone is getting shot in our country,” she said. “It’s time for a change.”

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Organizers estimated more than 100 students participated in the walkout, which began at 1 p.m. and lasted about 30 minutes. Many students held up handmade signs.

“This is a school zone, not a war zone,” read one.

“No more silence, end gun violence,” read another.

“Are we next???” read a third.

Tapia said she and fellow students were calling for government officials to take gun violence more seriously and enact stricter gun laws.

“The only thing we should be worried about at school is our grades,” she said.

Nour Habib, nour.habib@virginiamedia.com