Katy Dieckhaus, whose daughter Evelyn was killed at The Covenant School, encouraged gun-control advocate to press on. “I understand that feeling of wanting to scream,” she said, “but we have to work together, and we have to not be fearful of these extreme noises.” The mother, who said her family misses Evelyn “every second of every day,” said she doesn’t want other people “to go through this.”
Taking a Stand Against Gun Violence
Suddenly becoming public figures isn’t easy either, said Alexander. “We went from very private people before March 27 to living these lives out in the public pleading for change. And while we 100% feel it’s worth it, it is very trying on your mind and your body and your family.”
Some Covenant School parents fought to keep the shooter’s writings sealed. Others want the autopsy reports of minor victims to be kept private unless parents consent or “good cause” exists. Despite holding a range of political views, the families say they’re “driven by a shared commitment to honor the memory of our loved ones and prevent such tragedies from happening again.”
Bills that passed the Tennessee Senate during the special session include the giving away of free gun locks (but no requirement to use them) plus more money for school resource officers and mental health services. The bills still need to make it to Gov. Lee’s desk and be signed into law.
After the special session ended Tuesday, Lee called it “solution-less.” But Senate Speaker Randy McNally described it as a success, adding that lawmakers would address issues further during the regular legislative session that begins in January.
House Democrats released a statement Tuesday saying, “Because of the failed leadership of Gov. Bill Lee and this GOP supermajority, Tennessee’s children are no safer today than they were before the special session convened.”
