Supporting the March

Members of the Smith community will gather Thursday, March 22, for a day of eventsdesigned to amplify the voices of student activists around the world who are focused on preventing school violence. Events include a rally, a panel discussion and more.

“Students are the leaders of this movement,” said Smith College President Kathleen McCartney. “We want to provide a platform for their voices, to host informative discussions, and to provide ways for those on our campuses to share their views with elected representatives.”

A full schedule for the day is available online.

Noon

Rally outside the Campus Center
“This event is designed to witness, support, advocate, empower, connect and amplify the voices of those calling for safety in our schools,” said Matilda Cantwell, director of religious and spiritual life.

4:30 p.m.

Panel discussion, Weinstein Auditorium
Thought leaders will offer a panel discussion on “School Shootings, School Violence and the Damage Done: Prevention and Response.”
Participants:

• Victoria Banyard, professor of psychology, University of New Hampshire
• Anne Gilligan, Safe and Healthy Schools Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Megan Harding, senior lecturer, Smith School for Social Work
• Marianne Yoshioka, dean and Elizabeth Marting Treuhaft Professor, Smith School for Social Work

1-4:30 p.m.

Contact your elected officials
Throughout the afternoon, members of the Smith community are invited to meet in the TV Lounge of the Campus Center to contact their state and federal legislators.

5:30 p.m.

Reflection, debriefing and decompression in Helen Hills Hills Chapel

In addition to the events on March 22, Smith has arranged free bus transportation so that interested Smith students can attend the Saturday, March 24, March for Our Lives in Boston. For more information, contact the Office of Student Engagement.

A demonstration organized by Teens For Gun Reform, a group created in response to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Lorie Shaull, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.