What are the rights of a minor living as an American citizen? Debates have raged amongst Americans since Nicolas Cruz walked into his old school with an AR-15 rifle and fired, killing 17.

Though most citizens have taken time to discuss the need for stricter gun laws, there seems to be a lack of discussion for the rights of minors and the importance of their opinions. Most minors are legal citizens of the United States: thus, they have the same rights as any other American, including freedom of speech. As the debates intensify, more and more teens have voiced their own opinions, including a few who lived through the horrific events of Feb. 14.

How have the adults of America responded? Well, some have applauded them for their will to fight for what they believe. Others have pushed all teenage opinions aside, thus invalidating their individual rights, and the pride of our nation.

Moreover, minors are the ones most affected by school shootings, and their view of what is happening is just as important as adults’ opinions.

As a teen, I am confident that my opinions should matter: My generation is the future.

So through all the back and forth discussion concerning America’s current state, even the youngest of us must be allowed to state our opinions, without the fear of being shut down.

Emilie Bryant

Niles