SOMA Students Can Join Protest Against Gun Violence: Officials

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — On Wednesday, March 14, students across the nation are expected to participate in a school walkout to denounce gun violence. And the South Orange-Maplewood Public School District will likely be no exception, according to school administrators.

Last week, the South Orange-Maplewood School District issued a statement about the #ENOUGH national school walkout planned for March 14. According to SOMA officials, students who choose to participate in the event “will not be marked absent or disciplined.”

The walkouts are being organized on a grassroots student level, according to Women’s March Youth Empower, a faction of the group that spearheaded the “Women’s March” on Jan. 21, 2017.

Organizers selected March 14 as the rally date because it is the one-month anniversary of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. (Learn more about the rally here)

On March 1, the SOMA school district sent parents and guardians a notice that administrators have working with the police departments in both towns, and plan to support student participation in the rally while also ensuring safety.

SOMA school administrators wrote:

“We have been asked if students will be subject to disciplinary action or ‘cuts’ if they choose to participate. These events are supported by the schools and the district, and students who choose to participate will not be marked absent or disciplined. If any students choose not to participate, their choice will be respected and we will provide appropriate adult supervision.”

SOMA administrators added:

“These events are mostly being planned by students and are intended for students. We ask that parents/guardians and other adults not attempt to participate in these school-based events, since adults joining in would create security risks.”

According to administrators, SOMA schools will provide students with an opportunity to participate in the national observance on March 14 with activities on school property. Here’s what’s being planned in the district’s schools:

• Elementary Schools – “Schools are devising plans which are developmentally appropriate and build on existing efforts to promote kindness, belongingness, inclusion, community, and school safety. Please note: Marshall and Montrose are not planning to participate, given the young age of all of their students.”
• Middle Schools – “Activities are being planned by students, who are consulting with administration to ensure that the plans protect student safety.”
• High School – “Student groups are working together with the leadership of the CHS Student Council to plan for CHS’s participation. The organizers are coordinating with CHS administration, in order to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

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