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Thousands Of Students Protest Gun Violence With National School Walkout
Students protested gun violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School with national walkout.
A month after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, thousands of students left their classrooms to protest gun violence with the National School Walkout. Today at 10:00 a.m., students across the country walked out for 17 minutes in honor of the 17 people who were killed by a mass shooter, as USA Today reports.
The walkout, which was organized by the group who shaped the Women's March, was seen in cities far and wide, from Parkland and New York City to Reston, Virginia. The impact was felt around the globe. Hours before American students walked out, students in places like Tanzania, Israel and Iceland joined them, reports CNN.
The walkout has not come without controversy. Some schools have threatened to discipline those students that leave with suspensions and other infractions. Many colleges and universities, however, have openly said that they will support protesting students.
Images and thoughts flooded social media during the walkout, including messages of support from students who survived the Parkland shooting.
"Good Luck, Stay Safe, and Kick B*tt to all those walking out of school today," tweeted Emma Gonzalez, a student who has since become an outspoken activist.
"It’s a month today. It’s a month later and I still feel like I should be seeing them on their way to class. It’s a month later and we are still fighting for them. Its a month later and our school has not been forgotten. It’s a month later and we are walking out with the nation," added another student named Giuliana.
Students shared solidarity and words of encouragement to each other. "To every U.S. student, it is your first amendment right to peacefully protest. Today’s walkout is a symbol of hope, a sign that we will not be silent, a cry that demands change. At 10 AM EST, walk out for justice for our fallen students and teachers."
As a Parkland student told CNN, “It shows the impact that we’re making and it really shows us that we’re not alone. It gives us a lot of strength.”
[Photo: Getty Images]
