Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama sent a letter to the students of the Parkland, Fla., high school where 17 people were killed in a Feb. 14 shooting, praising them for helping to “awaken the conscience of the nation.”
The Obamas sent the letter, addressed to the “students of Parkland,” on March 10. In their note, the former president and first lady encouraged the students to continue pressing for stricter gun laws despite frustrations that may set them back.
“We wanted to let you know how inspired we have been by the resilience, resolve and solidarity that you have all shown in the wake of unspeakable tragedy,” they wrote in the letter obtained by Mic. “Not only have you supported and comforted each other, but you’ve helped awaken the conscience of the nation, and challenged decision-makers to make the safety of our children the country’s top priority.”
In the wake of last month’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, students have mobilized to call on their elected officials — both at the state and federal level — to pass more stringent gun laws.
As part of their efforts, students nationwide walked out of class last week and will be holding a march, called the “March for Our Lives,” in Washington, D.C., on Saturday.
The Obamas said in their letter that action addressing gun violence may be slow, but urged the students not to be discouraged.
“Throughout our history, young people like you have led the way in making America better,” they wrote. “There may be setbacks; you may sometimes feel like progress is too slow in coming. But we have no doubt you are going to make an enormous difference in the days and years to come, and we will be there for you.”
