As Spartans have had time to reflect after Monday's shooting on campus, many are organizing their own protests and vigils to express grief, anger or demands for change.
Lansing Area
End Gun Violence Spartan Strong Protest
MSU alumna Abby Frost is organizing a protest at the Capitol Building on Friday, Feb. 17 at 4:30 p.m. to “grieve the loss of our fellow Spartans and demand action from the State Legislature.” This protest argues for gun control laws like background checks and enforcing permits for firearms. Keynote speakers will be talking on the Capitol Lawn and any members of the community may attend.
On Monday, Feb. 20, the first day returning back to classes, many members of the student body along with the group “Action Before Attendance” are looking to stand against the decision to return to classes. Their tagline is “We’re Not Going to Class on Monday,” demanding action from the school to extend the rest period of classes.
Another “sit-down” protest, mirroring the protest this past Wednesday at the Capitol Building, will be having a second protest on Monday, Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Capitol Building. A post to promote it said people will be sitting down to stand against gun violence and to “skip class and stand up.”
MSU Student Organized Candlelight Vigil
Another candlelight vigil coordinated by students will be on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. at The Rock on Farm Lane. A post said many students went home during Wednesday's vigil, so students would like to organize another to “heal as a community.”
MI-Students Demand Action Mobilization Day
The Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America group is holding a protest on Wednesday, Feb. 22 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Capitol Building to “urge Michigan lawmakers to take immediate steps to protect students’ lives.”
March For Our Lives at Michigan State University Protest
March for Our Lives is hosting a special protest on Feb. 27 at noon at the Capitol Building to talk about the fears of gun violence and violence in schools. March for Our Lives has an MSU chapter to specifically talk about issues on campus, bringing those demands from students to the Capitol.
Campus walkout
On March 13 at 2:13 p.m., a group of students are organizing a mass walkout from dining halls, classrooms, dorms and activities to show solidarity for the lives lost on campus. A post said one month after this event, everyone on campus will walk out to “show America what is at stake” if gun violence does not change.
“Spartans Will walk out,” a post said. “Spartans Will show America what could have been and will be without action. We, students, are the future. We must live.”
And beyond
Peacefully Protest to End Gun Violence
On Central Michigan University’s campus on Friday, Feb. 17 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the CMU Botanical Garden Lawn, a protest is being held in honor of the events at Michigan State University. Students are staging a peaceful protest advocating for ending gun violence and safety in schools “to make (their) voices heard.”
“Nothing changes without action,” a post said.
Chicago Spartans Candlelight Vigil
For Spartans around the Chicago area, on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at the small park near 400 N LaSalle St., a candlelight vigil will be held for Chicago Spartans to honor the victims of the MSU shooting and support the community. After, there will be a “Come-As-You-Are Event” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tree House.
