Students from across the state are attempting to build off the momentum of the weekend demonstrations against gun violence by walking from Madison to Janesville, the hometown of U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan.
About 40 students began their long distance journey Sunday and plan to arrive in Janesville Wednesday for a rally at Traxler Park.
"You shouldn't be at risk of dying from walking down the street or going to see a movie or going to school. So that's what we like to emphasize. This is a human rights issue," said Brendan Fadella, student marcher.
Shorewood High School senior Katie Eder tells the State Journal that kids may be only 25 percent of the nation's population, but they are 100 percent of the future and committed to making that future safe for everyone.
“It's really cool because not all of us have the same beliefs or come from the same backgrounds and we're able to connect over this issue because it's something we all believe in so strongly,” said Eder.
Eder says the participating students, who are all on spring break this week, came from Eau Claire, Milwaukee, Oregon and other places around Wisconsin. They and adult volunteers are walking during the day and spending the nights in schools along the route.
“The congressman respects those expressing their views. The House recently enacted new laws to keep children safe without infringing on constitutional rights,” said a spokesman for the Speaker.
The spokesman says the House recently passed laws to strengthen background checks and funded mental health programs.
