Montclair Students Walk Out Of Class To Protest Climate Change

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A huge gathering of Montclair High School students walked out of classes as part of a national day of action on climate change last week.

On Friday morning, a walkout took place at Montclair High School, where hundreds of teens peacefully left class and gathered outside the school. The students were acting in solidarity with a global climate strike that included over 40 non-profit organizations from around the world, including Amnesty International, Global Climate Catholic Movement, Patagonia, Fridays for Future, and Oxfam.

Students from Montclair Extinction Rebellion (Montclair XR), a club at Montclair High School, helped to spearhead the walkout.

"Extreme times call for extreme measures and we're asking MHS students to start doing their part by joining us in the walkout," said Josh Shapiro and Isaac Barry, co-spokespeople of Montclair XR, prior to Friday’s rally. "We hold the firm belief that inaction on Climate Change is a crime against humanity, a threat to our economy, a danger to our health and that ecocide is equivalent to genocide. Mass action is unquestionably required to stop its worst effects."

• See related article: MHS Students to Join Global Walkout to Protest Climate Change

Principal Anthony Grosso issued a statement to the school community about the walkout, Baristanet reported:

“Please be aware that MHS supports the students’ right to protest. However, if students participate and skip class, it will be counted as a cut for those period(s) they miss.”

The New Jersey Sierra Club praised the youth-led efforts in Montclair, as well as others across the state that took place in Belvidere, Englewood, Highland Park, Lambertville, Maplewood, Morristown, New Brunswick, Princeton, Red Bank and Teaneck.

“The students are leading the strikes and calling on politicians that the house is on fire,” said Director Jeff Tittel. “They will be the first generation impacted by climate change and will have to live with the aftermath of what is happening today. It critical for them to help move us forward with a sense of urgency.”

According to Tittel, climate change impacts are getting worse.

“Last year was the fourth hottest on record,” Tittel said. “Oceans are warming 40 percent faster than previously believed, with devastating effects. Climate change is an existential threat. The future of these students, all of our families and our communities depend on taking action against climate change.”

The Sept. 20 rally wasn’t the only time Montclair High School students have flexed their political muscles when it comes to protecting the environment.

In March, MHS students held a walkout in support of the worldwide Youth Climate Strikes and the Fridays For Future movement, rallying against the "lack of action towards the climate crisis.” The walkout involved about 500 students from all grades at the school.

• See related article: Here's Why Montclair HS Students Held Climate Change Walkout

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