Bucks Co. Students Plan Walkouts In Call For Stricter Gun Laws

Students from at least five Bucks County school districts are planning to join a national movement by staging a walkout in March to protest recent gun violence in schools in a call for stricter laws.

The March 14 walkout, set to coordinate with the National School Walkout day, is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., according to an event posting on the main campaign website.

In Bucks County, students from the following schools have announced they're participating:

• Central Bucks - 6 schools
• Council Rock North
• Pennsbury
• Bensalem Township
• New Hope-Solebury

The walkout events are planned across the country after 17 students, teachers, and coaches were killed and numerous people injured in the Valentine's Day massacre. Students participating in the National Walkout will leave their classrooms for 17 minutes – one minute for each life taken at the school on Feb. 14, according to organizers.

Students say they are working with administrators to carry out their plans for protest.

Some districts have addressed the situation ahead of time, including in Council Rock, where Superintendent Robert Fraser sent an email to parents saying students who participate will be supported.

"Since Council Rock School District respects the rights of our students to peacefully assemble, we will permit any student who wishes to participate in this organized event to do so. As is always the case for us, student safety is paramount," Fraser wrote. He said he is working with his administrative team to coordinate plans for the day and ensure student safety.

In Pennsbury, student organizer Reed Markowitz said he has been in communication with school principals regarding the walkout.

"Many people who I don't know personally have approached me about the walkout and have told me that they will be walking out with me," Markowitz said.

National organizers say the walkout is intended to be a step towards action.

"We need action. Students and allies are organizing the national school walkout to demand Congress pass legislation to keep us safe from gun violence at our schools, on our streets and in our homes and places of worship," according to the nationwide event page.

You can find a full list of schools participating in the walkout by clicking here.

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AP Photo/Evan Vucci