Lakewood Students Stage Walk-Out For Gun Control

LAKEWOOD, OH — About 75 Lakewood High School students walked out of class on Wednesday afternoon, at about noon. The group wanted to protest continued inaction on gun control after 17 people were killed at a Florida high school in a Valentine's Day attack.

Students across the nation have been planning a series of protests designed to spur action on gun control. A Twitter account called Lakewood High School Walkout called for Wednesday's walkout, as well as more walkouts on March 14, March 24 and April 10.

There is a letter that has been making the rounds on social media, from Lakewood High Principal Keith Ahearn. In the letter, which was sent to parents just before the noon event, Ahearn said the walkouts would not be considered authorized without parent permission and any students participating will be unable to make up any work they missed during the protests.

The letter claims the walk-out was planned without the input of the school administration, most of whom found out about the protest "late this afternoon."

"I certainly recognize that we do not always get to control the agenda for when and where student activism is generated. We, however, have a moral responsibility to maintain order, safety and a respectful learning environment," the letter says.

Ahearn did tell Patch that he and the rest of his administration are working with civic leaders, police and students to have a "teachable" moment come March 14, when the next walk-out is planned.

"We are proud of our students' passion to be engaged citizens and we hope to facilitate a peaceful and meaningful way to express that passion," he said in his letter.

Student leaders did not immediately respond to Patch's request for an interview.

Protests have been planned at high schools across the nation after 17 people were shot to death and numerous others were injured during a Valentine's Day attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. Expelled student Nikolas Cruz purchased his alleged murder weapon legally despite a history of contacts with authorities and bizarre behavior.

Students have been demanding legislative action on gun control and have used the walk-outs to stage peaceful protests.

Photo from Rick Uldricks, Patch