Bridgewater Students Share Passionate Pleas To Walk Out March 14

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School students spoke eloquently and passionately on Tuesday night about their intent on joining the nationwide walkout movement on March 14 against gun violence.

“It’s only been two months into 2018 and we’ve gone from eating Tide pods to a teen revolution,” said Justin Hawthorne, ninth grade class president.

“Everything is up to the adults, they make the decisions and we don’t really have a voice … and we can change that by taking part in the worldwide walkout on March 14.”

The March 14 walkout is a national movement which encourages teachers, students, administrators, parents and allies to walk out of school for 17 minutes — one for every person killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida on Feb. 14.

Hawthorne was among students to speak to the Board of Education and Superintendent Russell Lazovick about their intentions. They asked not to be punished for their actions.

“Some of us are worried about punishment, detention, suspension or this being put on our permanent records,” said a BRHS senior. “I am concerned about my future safety as I want to be a teacher myself… this walkout is not a sign of rebellion.”

Another senior named Gail also spoke to Lazovick about her convictions in walking out.

“I am that kid that sits alone at lunch… and this walkout is my voice,” Gail said. “I am already enrolled and accepted into a college and will risk all of that to stop another tragedy from happening again.”

Lazovick said that disciplining students who walk out is not a concern of the district, instead safety is.

“When you announce that the entire student body will be outside on this day and time, we want to make sure you are safe and we support you,” Lazovick said.

Lazovick will be meeting with students on Thursday to discuss the logistics of the walkout and is working with the Bridgewater Police Department as well.

Some parents mentioned standing by students during the walkout. However, Lazovick strongly warned that parents can support their children and students in their thoughts, but can not step on school property.

“If there is an adult that we do not know on school property, it puts the kids at risk,” Lazovick said.

Lazovick added that Bridgewater Police Chief Alfred Nicaretta said that any adults on the school grounds will be escorted off the property and taken to the police station.

(Image and video by Alexis Tarrazi: Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District Board of Education meeting on Feb. 27.)

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