Mendham HS Students Participating In School Walkout

MENDHAM, NJ — Mendham High School students will be participating in a National School Walkout day event on Wednesday, but it is "not meant to be a political rally or statement," principal Michael Matyas said in a letter sent home to parents last week.

While the majority of school walkouts around the country will see students go outside, Mendham High School students will congregate in the gym as a safety precaution, Matyas said. The event will be monitored by school officials and is optional.

"It is important to note that the event is intended solely as an opportunity for students to experience and promote responsible civic engagement and solidarity. It is not meant to be a political rally or statement," Matyas said. It was suggested and organized by the students in collaboration with officials.

Students who chose to participate will not face disciplinary actions so long as they follow the rules, Matyas said.

In addition to the action at the high school, sophomore Bella Bhimani is spearheading the upcoming March For Our Lives in Morristown. (Read more about that here.)

Students across the country are planning school walkouts and marches in response to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that left 17 dead.

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)