South Lakes High School Students Stage Walkout In the Aftermath of Florida Shooting

Roughly 350 students at South Lakes High School took part in a walkout at noon today to remember the 17 people killed last week at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Students left the school and stood outside for 17 minutes before returning for class or lunch, school officials said.

A similar walkout happened at Langston Hughes Middle School today. Around 250 students participated in that event.

“I am proud of how the students conducted themselves, including a moment of silence that was very moving,” said SLHS Principal Kim Retzer in a statement.

moment of silence for the victims of the florida shooting in our walkout today at South Lakes High School. We will fight to put an end to gun violence. We will not stop until we are heard. #wewantchange @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/Sv6uQGAGAh

— Camille (@camidenny) February 21, 2018

Here’s more from Retzer:

FCPS respects the rights of our students to engage in peaceful protest and express their opinions through speech and other ways as long as it is done respectfully, does not interfere with the rights of others, and does not disrupt learning in the school.   Our school is committed to providing an environment where everyone is treated with respect and encouraged to help others.

Our teachers, administrators and staff continue to reinforce a sense of positive school community and we ask for your partnership in working with your child to discuss meaningful actions that they can take to engage in their community.

Another walkout is planned for National School Walkout Day on March 14. Schools across the country are expected to walk out to demand action on gun violence and school shootings.

Photo via Twitter user @amandayoungg