Clarke Participates in National School Walkout Day

Clarke University’s Student Association, along with students, faculty, and staff, rallied today on Clarke’s campus in solidarity for the national walkout of class to challenge America’s gun policies and honor those lost last month at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The walkout took place at 10 a.m. and lasted 17 minutes, a minute for each of the lives lost in the Parkland shooting.

More than 85 Clarke students, faculty, staff, and Dubuque community members spoke about their feelings on gun violence, how they have been directly or indirectly affected by gun violence, and the very real fears they have for individual safety and the safety of loved ones.

President Sister Joanne Burrows, SC, Ph.D., who was in attendance, shared this message before the event, “The National Walkout is an opportunity for any of us to express our opposition to gun violence and support for social changes that deter it. I hope you exercise your right to express your political views on this and other critical issues being debated across the country at this time. Exercising that right does not absolve any of us from doing so responsibly and with recognition of our other commitments. Freedom and justice are core values at Clarke University. Each of us must choose how to live them out in our lives every day and accept the consequences of doing so.”

Clarke University celebrates and supports students’ rights to make their views known, and no disciplinary actions stemming from engaging in peaceful protests will be taken toward a student who is currently enrolled or admitted to Clarke.

A campus community discussion followed in the Fabiano Conference Room.