New Providence Prohibits Students From Walking Out

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ — New Providence High School is prohibiting students from participating in a nationwide walkout Wednesday at 10 a.m. in protest of recent gun violence in schools and to call for stricter firearm laws.

The 17-minute walkout is one of hundreds that will be held across the United States spearheaded by the Enough National School Walkout of the Women's March Youth EMPOWER nonprofit. The length of time is done in memory of the 17 victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida earlier this year. (See Related: Florida Shooting Victim, 14, Lived In NJ, 'Loved, Well-Respected')

However, New Providence students will not permitted to leave class at 10 a.m. for 17 minutes to assemble.

"Due to the timing of this walk-out movement, it presents a negative impact on classroom learning as it will interfere with valuable instructional time," stated New Providence High School Principal Lauren Zirpoli. "Additionally, the safety of our students continues to be our absolute priority and their safety could be compromised if students left the school building without permission during the school day."

Zirpoli went on to quote Board of Education policy in a letter to parents and students.

"As per Board of Education Policy 5520- Disorder and Demonstration, 'Pupils will not be disturbed in the exercise of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to assemble peacefully and to express ideas and opinions, privately or publicly, provided that their activities do not infringe on the rights of others and do not interfere with the operation of the educational program.' The Board specifically prohibits any assembly or expression that materially disrupts instruction.”

Instead, students that those who wish to protest are only allowed to do so at 2:40 p.m. at Lieder field for 17 minutes.

The administration will provide supervision and additional security with the assistance of the New Providence Police Department at that time.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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