Student Walkout On Israel-Hamas War Being Held In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria City High School students have joined others in the region to hold student walkouts in support of a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War.

The student walkout was planned around 10 a.m. Thursday. High school officials were aware a student walkout was being planned and notified families.

"We want to assure you that plans are in place as we work to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for our students," said Executive Principal Alexander Duncan III in a message to families. "As students exercise their right to free speech during the school day tomorrow, ACHS administrators and staff, in addition to Central Office staff, will be prepared and positioned to ensure that this walkout is conducted in a safe and respectful manner, with as little disruption to normal operations as possible."

Students were asked to be "kind, respectful and cooperative" during the walkout. The school said students can also talk to counselors or a trusted adult with concerns or reach out through the CrisisText by texting 85511 and Crisis Link by calling 703-527-4077.

The Alexandria walkout is part of a national day of protest in opposition to attacks on the Palestinian Gaza Strip territory. It comes as Israel continues attacks on the Gaza Strip following an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas fighters in Israel that killed 1,400 people. Meanwhile, the estimated death toll in Palestine from Israel's attacks is above 10,000, according to Reuters. Some United Nations organizations have called for a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, while the Biden Administration has sought pauses in the war to provide aid while reiterating support for Israel.

Other student walkouts have been held around the region, including at Fairfax County Public Schools, Prince William County schools and Loudoun County schools.