Midstate Schools Prep For Planned Student Walkouts

NASHVILLE, TN -- Students across the country plan to walk out of class March 14, one month after the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., and again on April 20, the 19th anniversary of the deadly shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo.

In an automated call to parents sent out Saturday night, Metro Nashville Public Schools officials emphasized that "student activism is part of the learning process and we respect and support our students’ right to free speech." The district is asking principals to coordinate a space within each school to hold the demonstrations in the interest of safety.

However, the district did remind parents that students who leave school without permission and without signing out will receive an unexcused absence and that "disorderly conduct that disrupts school operations will be handled compassionately but firmly."

The March 14 protest is scheduled for 10 a.m. and will last 17 minutes to represent the 17 people killed at the Florida high school. The April 20 walkout is also planned for 10 a.m., with 17 minutes of assembly in a common space and then with students not returning to class.

Here's the text of the MNPS call out:

As you may know, there is a national initiative regarding school walkout days in March and April. We recognize student activism is part of the learning process and we respect and support our students’ right to free speech. With their safety in mind, we have asked principals to help students find assembly space within each school for those students who plan to participate.
Please know that if students leave school without permission and do not sign out, their absence will be counted as unexcused. Additionally, any disorderly conduct that disrupts school operations will be handled compassionately but firmly, in accordance with the student handbook. MNPS understands that our students may be feeling lots of emotions, including anxiety, fear and even anger about recent events.

Please talk to your children about their feelings and know we have counselors available to help them. If you have questions about your school’s plans for walkout, please contact your principal.

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