To: The White House and President Donald Trump
Tell the White House: Revoke Gateway Pundit's Press Credentials
The Gateway Pundit has pushed conspiracy theories about and attacks on students who survived the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The White House must pull the Gateway Pundit’s press credentials, permanently ban the Gateway Pundit from official events, and commit to not giving credentials to any outlet that engages in these types of conspiracy theories or attacks on vulnerable students and victims.
Why is this important?
In the aftermath of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward Country, Florida., students who survived the attack have bravely stood up to demand action for safe schools and safe communities.
But now, right-wing blogs are pushing wild conspiracy theories about the students who survived, claiming they are plants, are actors, or are being manipulated by politicians.
I know these students. I have worked with these students. These courageous young people survived a horror beyond what any person should have to face, and now they stand with moral courage and strength to call us all to action.
It is outrageous enough that outlets like the Gateway Pundit are spreading these lies and driving attacks on these students. But it is even more outrageous that an outlet that peddles lies and conspiracy theories holds a White House press credential and the authority that carries.
By giving the Gateway Pundit press credentials, the White House is validating the site and these attacks.
President Trump and this administration must make it clear that these attacks are unacceptable by pulling the Gateway Pundit’s credentials and permanently banning the site and its publishers from the White House.
These students deserve our praise and our support. Their advocacy in the face of horror and violence is what makes America great. Instead, the Gateway Pundit is driving vicious personal attacks by peddling conspiracy theories. The White House must show that there are consequences for this kind of behavior.
Jim Gard has been a math teacher for 36 years. During the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, he shielded his students in his classroom.