Speaking Out
for
Carmen
April Lobbies for Parents Need to Know legislation
April 21, 2021
April traveled to Tallahassee with Tony Montalto and Tom Hoyer to lobby Florida lawmakers to pass legislation requiring school districts inform parents of serious threats and violent incidents that happen at school or a school sponsored event.
The Florida legislature unanimously passed SB590 which included the requirement for parental notification.
Robert Runcie Arrested for Perjury Related to MSD Investigation
April 21, 2021
The superintendent of the Florida school district where 17 students and staff died in a 2018 high school massacre was arrested Wednesday after investigators said he lied to a grand jury investigating events surrounding the shooting.
Broward County Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie was arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at district headquarters and charged with perjury in an official proceeding, which is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Parents Need to Know Act
February 12, 2021
Phil and April lobby in support of the Parents Need to Know Act. Potentially the most important school safety legislation of the 2021 legislative session.
Meeting with Biden Administration
February 11, 2021
Phil, April, Robert, and other families of those slain at MSD met with Ambassidor Susan Rice (Director of the Domestic Policy Council), Cedric Richmond (Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement), Stefanie Feldman (Senior Advisor to the Director of the Domestic Policy Council), Adrian Saenz, and Erin Pelton to discuss how to cement gains made in school safety over the last three years and quickly move forward with important new initatives.
Where There Is Despair, Hope
October 21, 2020
April shared here reflections as part of the Saint Francis project hosted by the National Cathedral in Washington DC.
What Parents Should Know About Firearm Suicide
September 21, 2020
April author's an op-ed that discusses the threat unsecured firearms pose to students learning from home due to COVID restrictions and advocates for safe-storage or firearms at home.
Federal Court Say FBI Owed Carmen a Duty
August 31, 2020
A federal judge ruled that the FBI owed Carmen a duty to act on tips that were provided to the FBI Public Access Line (PAL).
Wishing Carmen Would Come Home ...
February 14, 2020
April publishes an op-ed in the Sun Sentinel.
A Few Extra Seconds Could Have Saved Carmen's Life
February 14, 2020
April explains why she supports restriction on high capacity gun magazines.
April Attends the Premier of Voices of Parkland
February 13, 2020
April attends the premier of Voices of Parkland and participates in a panel discussion.
April Share 5 Questions Every Parent Should Ask
February 11, 2020
April co-wrote an op-ed in Education Week with other Stand With Parkland members on the need for every parent to ask their child's teacher and principal 5 important questions. Learn more about the 5 Questions here: https://www.standwithparkland.org/five-questions
April Goes Back to Washington to Push for Change
February 10, 2020
April joins other Stand With Parkland members in a trip to Washington D.C. to press the President and lawmakers for change.
April Lobbies Lawmakers in Olympia
January 20, 2020
April lobbies for change in the state of Washington.
April Talks about Leaving Broken Broward County
August 09, 2019
A year-and-a-half after 17 students and faculty were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, two grieving families with a shared sense of distrust for their old home have reached the same conclusion, Broward County is fatally broken and isn’t home any more.
Gun Violence and Public Health
July 16, 2019
April speaks about gun violence prevention (GVP) at a summit in Seattle.
Additional interview below:
Filing Suite Against the FBI
June 28, 2019
Phil and April filed a lawsuit against the FBI for failing to investigate the tips received by the FBI Hotline. They believe both tips had sufficient information to have stopped the murder of their beloved Carmen.
Working With Everyone, Bobby Builds Consensus
April 17, 2019
“I like to tell people the NRA has actually brought up some pretty good ideas," Schentrup said. "They actually come to the table with more than 'no, we don't like this.' They come to the table with specific concerns. ... And they come with specific solutions."
Robert Writes an Op-Ed in the Colorado Sun Supporting Colorado's ERPO Law
April 06, 2019
Robert advocates for the governor of Colorado to sign ERPO legislation that was passed by the Colorado legislature in the Colorado Sun.
Robert Launches ZeroUSA
April 04, 2019
Robert launches ZeroUSA with support from the Rise Social Justice Incubator. Rise is mentoring the leaders in ZeroUSA to pass ERPO legislation in all 50 states. Rise founder Amanda Nguyen has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and funding for the Social Justice Incubator comes from Chang Zuckerberg and Bill and Melinda Gates foundations.
Here are some links to the announcements:
Phil and April Talk to Kiro 7 News in Seattle
February 14, 2019
Phil and April talk to Amy Clancy a year after Carmen's murder about the tragedy and the struggles afterwards.
A Year of Reporting by the SunSentinel
February 14, 2019
The murder of 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High on Valentine's Day 2018 has been called the United States' most preventable school shooting. In coverage launched the day of the massacre and sustained through the year, the South Florida Sun Sentinel showed why.
Fighting for Answers
February 13, 2019
Gabby Deutch writes, "losing their daughter was excruciating; trying to find out why she died has been a nightmare."
Interview with NPR's Melissa Block
February 11, 2019
Phil and April talk with Melissa about life a year after Carmen's murder and their involvement in Stand With Parkland - The National Association of Families for Safe Schools.
Robert Continues His Advocacy
January 31, 2019
Robert spoke during a forum on gun violence hosted by the Brady Campaign.
Hide, Deny, Spin, Threaten: How the School District Tried to Mask Failures that Led to Parkland Shooting
November 29, 2018
Phil and April work with local reporters from the Sun-Sentinel to shine a light on the Broward County School Board. Great job by the team of reporters at the Sun-Sentinel!
A Family United
October 26, 2018
Voice of America outlines the activities of Bobby, Evelyn, April and Phil after the massacre at MSD as part of a series they did on the tragedy and its aftermath.
Local Newspapers Join Fight
October 22, 2018
Both local newspapers join Phil and April in the fight to compel the Broward Sheriffs Office and the School Board of Broward County to release public information.
Phil and April Fight for the Truth
September 18, 2019
Phil and April file suit, along with the Polluck family, to force the Broward Sheriffs Office and Broward County School Board to abide by the law and fulfill their obligations to provide public information concerning the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Phil Demands Action from Broward County School Board
July 23, 2018
Phil goes in front of the school board to demand action and accountability for the failings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
Watch a video of Phil's remarks: School Board Meeting (scroll to 2:16:53)
News story by local CBS affiliate: MSD Investigation Begins
News story by local ABC affiliate: Back to School Update
Article in Sun-Sentinel: Wexler Investigation
April and Phil Provide Public Witness
July 07, 2018
April and Phil spoke at a rally in Austin hosted by Bishops United Against Gun Violence. The couple spoke about how Carmen's murder affected them and the need for the action.
Watch a short compilation video here: https://youtu.be/gjuM3kDz0MA
Read Phil's full remarks here.
Read April's full remarks here.
April Addresses the House of Deputies of the Episcopal General Convention
July 06, 2018
April was invited to address the House of Deputies at the Episcopal General Convention. April shared her experience and called the deputies to action.
Phil Addresses the House of Bishops of the Episcopal General Convention
July 06, 2018
Phil shares a small part of Carmen's story with the bishops of the Episcopal Church and asks for their continued support for reducing gun violence in our country.
Article by the Episcopal News Service:
Launching Stand With Parkland
June 27, 2018
Phil and April launch Stand with Parkland along with the 16 other families who lost loved ones in the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
NBC6 Miami
MSD Families Launch ‘Stand with Parkland’
CBS4 Miami
‘Stand With Parkland’ Wants Conversation, Compromise For Safer Schools
https://miami.cbslocal.com/2018/06/28/parkland-group-conversation-compromise-safer-schools/
Rolling Stone
The Parkland Parents Are Not Backing Down
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/parkland-shooting-parents-w522137
USA TODAY (Gannett)
The families of Parkland are hoping to start a civil discussion about ending school violence
CNN
Parkland families call for compromise and conversation in addressing gun violence
https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/28/politics/stand-for-parkland-group/index.html
NBC
Parents of Parkland shooting victims unite for safer schools
Stand With Parkland says it wants sensible firearms and mental health policies for the nation's children.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/parents-parkland-shooting-victims-unite-safer-schools-n887201
Sun Sentinel
'Stand with Parkland' bands together families who lost loved ones at Stoneman Douglas High
The Hill
Parkland families launch new advocacy group
http://thehill.com/homenews/news/394431-parkland-families-launch-new-advocacy-group
Washington Post (Associated Press)
Florida families form advocacy group ‘Stand With Parkland’
Axios
Relatives of Parkland victims launch school safety group
Seattle Times
Florida families form advocacy group ‘Stand With Parkland’
Mother Jones
Parkland Families Push to End School Violence With New Advocacy Group
Stand With Parkland will push for universal background checks.
Houston Chronicle (AP)
Florida families form advocacy group 'Stand With Parkland'
Bustle
What Is Stand With Parkland? Marjory Stoneman Parents Have Launched A Brand New Organization
April works with the Broward League of Cities to Push for Better School Security
June 04, 2018
April working with Max and mayors from across the county to make school safer.
WLRN Story about April's Problems with the School Board
June 04, 2018
Quick story by WLRN on April's issues with the School Board and her desire to fight to make schools safer for all children.
Gun Violence Effects Us All
May 24, 2018
Robert works with Team Enough to highlight the effects gun violence has on our broader communities, especially minority communities.
Robert Helps to Launch 'Team ENOUGH'
May 21, 2018
Student leaders from Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Sandy Hook, Columbine, and neighborhoods impacted by gun violence across the country have joined together to form Team ENOUGH. This new youth-led group will focus on student engagement on the issue of gun violence prevention and ways to continue momentum for change, including voter education, community empowerment, and advocacy. Team ENOUGH will convene individual leaders and other youth-focused organizations on a national platform.
Parkland Moms Lead "Shop-In" at Dick's Sporting Goods and Walmart
May 11, 2018
April and the other moms and wives of those lost at MSD discuss their #ShopInForMoms initiative to support business that have acted to support sensible gun sales policies.
Additional links:
http://cbs12.com/news/local/parkland-mothers-organize-shopinformoms
http://cbs12.com/news/local/parkland-moms-hold-shop-in-at-stores-that-changed-their-gun-sales-policy
A Tragic Mother's Day
May 11, 2018
April and the moms of other MSD victims talk about what Mother's Day 2018 will be like.
Trump Ignores Victims Families
May 07, 2018
Article outlines how President Trump, or anyone in his administration, has failed to reach out to the majority of families whose loved ones were murdered at MSD.
Preparing for prom at Stoneman Douglas
May 03, 2018
April discusses her feelings as Carmen's friends get ready for prom.
Parents' Tears for Carmen 'Part of Our Daily Routine'
April 21, 2018
Phil and April speak with Micheal Mayo of the SunSentinel on life since Carmen's murder.
MSD Orchestra Plays Tribute for Carmen
April 19, 2018
The MSD orchestra plays a tribute for Carmen at the Hollywood Arts Park.
National School Safety Forum with Senators Rubio and Nelson (Video)
April 17, 2018
Phil attended and spoke at the National School Safety Forum in DC.
National School Safety Forum with Senators Rubio and Nelson (Print)
April 17, 2018
Phil and others speak up for common sense improvements to school safety and accountability of government agencies and individuals.
Robert's Take on School Hardening
April 07, 2018
Robert shares his thoughts on initiatives focused on hardening our schools.
Interview with Carolina Connection
March 30, 2018
Robert speaks with the Carolina Connection about his sister, Carmen, and his advocacy for common sense, bi-partisan changes to gun laws.
Robert Speaks at UNC
March 28, 2018
Robert speaks out for common sense changes to gun laws at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Robert's speech begins around time 44:50 in the video.
Interview with Carmen's Friend Zac
March 24, 2018
Carmen's friend Zac and Phil talk about Carmen in an article done by the University of Florida school newspaper, The Independent Florida Alligator. Phil and April cried happy, but painful, tears after reading this article.
April Speaking at the National Cathedral
March 22, 2018
April speaks about Carmen and the need for action at the National Cathedral in Washington DC.
After Daughter's 'Unimaginable' Death, Parkland Family Moved To Action
March 14, 2018
Phil, April, Robert, and Evelyn talking with Melissa Block from NPR.
Episcopal Bishops Act
March 06, 2018
The bishops of the Episcopal Church act in response to the letter written by Phil and April.
Letter to the Episcopal House of Bishops
March 05, 2018
Phil and April wrote a letter to Episcopal House of Bishops that was read into the record by the Bishop of Southeast Florida, Bishop Peter Eaton.