Studet movements are shaping a better future
Oliver Moss / Contributor
Santa Monica student protests for change.
Student activism and teenagers have long been at the forefront of radical social justice movements and a powerful force for change. From the Civil Rights movement to climate strikes, it forces us to rethink the world we live in. Yet, whether student activism is truly effective solely depends on the organization and reach of the campaigns, along with the momentum and traction gained by supporters.
The effort and compassion that students bring into the cause can motivate entire communities, spark media attention and pressure institutions to take action. In 2018, the #neveragain movement became a powerful force of change, led by the brave survivors of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. After the tragedy at their school, the students refused to be silenced. The students hashtag sparked nationwide protests, inspiring millions of people to join in on the students movement for stricter gun laws and better safety in schools. Marjory students organized marches, spoke to lawmakers and even created a national event, “March for our lives” that drew crowds of all ages. What was most inspiring? They didn’t just talk, they acted. They made their message clear and didn’t wait for it to be heard.
On Feb.6, Samo’s student activism reached a boiling point as students organized a walkout to protest against the Trump administration, specifically the immigration, healthcare and education policies threatened and enacted so far. After weeks of preparation, the walkout began during flex-time and included Samo students, along with some Crossroads and Venice high school students. The students were broadcasted by KTLA as soon as the protest started, with protestors being interviewed. They protested all the way to the Santa Monica City Hall Building, where they continued to fight for their beliefs. Elliot Ho (’25), one of the leaders of this walkout, reflects on the significance of students activism for generational change and the trials that have come with.
Ryan Kim / The Samohi
Students protest outside of Santa Monica City Hall against the Trump administration on Feb.6.
“The most surprising challenge I have faced as an student activist is the widespread apathy among youth, especially highschoolers. people don’t believe in change, they especially don’t believe that they can create change,” Ho said.
Ho believes communication and messaging to be the most effective way to get through to young people, who believe their role in activism isn’t substantial. Ho attributes this indifference to a disconnect between larger issues at hand, and their direct lives.
“What's most troubling is that people believe that they are individuals; that they are somehow not connected to and will not be affected by the ailments of others and the world,” Ho said. “It matters that our ecosphere is dying, it matters whether or not the people around you are sleeping on the sidewalk or starving... these things directly affect us all and denying it doesn’t change that. A population that doesn’t care about each other is a population that is easy to control.” Ho said.
Previously, in June of 2022, Samo students organized an anti-gun violence walkout following the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The students marched from campus to City Hall and held a moment of silence for every student involved in the incident. Samo students vocalized the question for students around the world “how many of us have to die before something changes?” The efforts of these students sparked conversations about gun control and improved safety measures. Although this walkout didn’t get widespread media attention, slow change is better than none at all. The leaders of the walkouts did research on what could be done to achieve higher gun control and safety in schools, encouraging those who joined the protest to vote and support for political candidates that advocate for stricter gun laws.
So when the question is asked about is student activism effective? The answer should be yes, student activism is effective as long as the students take the actions to make it effective. The students lay out the groundwork for future change, prompting society not only to hear their voices, but also to consider how and when their voices will be taken seriously and lead to action.
Oliver Moss/ Contributor