District Supports Walk-Out For Gun-Regulations By Shaker Students

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — For 17 minutes on March 14, many high schools across the nation, including Shaker Heights High, will be silent and empty. Students will walk out of class and quietly march outside their buildings, a protest for stricter gun regulations in the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida.

While some districts have been less than enthused with the planned protest, Shaker Heights Schools, and the Shaker Heights Teacher's Association, have offered their support to students planning to participate. In a letter to families and the community-at-large school officials explained their reasoning.

"Shaker has a long, rich history of student and community activism, and we encourage students to get involved in issues about which they are passionate. However, we have also asked our students to work in coordination with our teachers, administrators and staff to ensure a safe and constructive event," the letter read.

Students have been working with representatives from the city of Shaker Heights, the city police and fire departments and members of the PTO. The letter assured families that there will be security and adult supervision during the 17-minute walkout.

Students at the elementary and middle school levels will not hold walkouts. Those students will go through a normal school day, but individual schools may plan some type of advocacy action for interested students.

The district is also not pressuring students or staff to participate. "While the District and the SHTA strongly support this action at our High School, we will respect and support any student or teacher who does not want to participate. There will be supervision and support for students who choose to stay in the building during this brief, 17-minute period," the letter said.

The letter was signed by Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jeff Isaacs, the Shaker Heights school board president, Jonathan Kuehnle, Shaker Heights High principal and John Morris, the Shaker Heights Teacher's Association president.

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