Schools across the country will be participating in a National School Walkout and while many SEC schools were expected to participate, elementary and high schools, along with most colleges and universities in the state are out for spring break this week.
During the National School Walkout, for at least 17 minutes at 10 a.m. students, school faculty and supporters around the world will walk out of their schools to honor those killed in the massacre at the Parkland high school earlier this year and to protest gun violence.
Those participating have been encouraged to wear orange – the color used by many who support gun control. Some schools will have featured speakers attend the event and some will have ceremonies where the names of the 17 Parkland victims will be read aloud.
#NationalSchoolWalkout
This movement is proof that iGen or GenZ are far more powerful than media wants to believe. We are strong, smart, rebellious, compassionate individuals that will not just fight for our futures, but demand them.— National School Walkout (@schoolwalkoutUS) March 10, 2018
The Women’s March Youth EMPOWER organization organized the walkout and more than 185,000 students are expected to participate, according to the latest numbers provided by a Women’s March spokesperson. A map of participating schools on the event’s website shows the walkout has gone international – with schools in Ireland, Israel, and Mexico participating.
Another nationwide school walkout is scheduled for April 20, the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre.
