Madison Students Participate In Walk Outs To Demand Gun Control

VIENNA, VA—Around 300 Madison High School students walked out of classes Wednesday to demand action on gun control in the wake of the shooting of 17 people in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14.

Students began leaving classes and crowding outside the school around noon. It was part of nationwide walkouts organized by Student Walkout Against Gun Violence, and students from numerous Fairfax County schools participated. The walk outs lasted 17 minutes in honor of the 17 Parkland shooting victims.

Principal Gregory Hood said in a letter to parents the school district supports students' right to protest. Here is his full message:

About 300 of our students walked out at 12:00 p.m. in honor of the 17 victims from Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Staff members directed them to the Stadium. Students exited and reentered the building in an orderly fashion. The majority were outside for approximately 25 minutes before returning to class and/or lunch.

FCPS respects the rights of our students to engage in peaceful protest and express their opinions through speech and other ways as long as it is done respectfully, does not interfere with the rights of others, and does not disrupt learning in school. Our school is committed to providing an environment where everyone is treated with respect and encouraged to help others.

Our teachers, administrators and staff continue to reinforce a sense of positive school community and we ask for your partnership in working with your child to discuss meaningful actions that they can take to engage in their community.

Under Fairfax County Public Schools policy, students are allowed to leave their classes and are encouraged to stay on school property for their safety.

SEE ALSO: Armed Security Proposed By Fairfax School Board Member

Nationwide walkouts are planned again for March 14, as well as the March for Our Lives in DC on March 24 organized by Stoneman Douglas students.

Image via Patch