A group of about a dozen West Liberty-Salem students and teachers participated in a nationwide school walkout and returned to the classroom this morning with little disturbance.There were led by a student holding a sign that read “Never Again” and they remained at the front entrance of the school all 17 minutes of the event.
A group of about 12 West Liberty-Salem students walk out of class as part of the national protest against gun violence. (EXAMINER PHOTOS | REUBEN MEES)
Despite warnings that punishment may be meted out for the participants, the administration allowed them to leave the building and participate in the 17-minute march, to symbolize the number of students killed in the Feb. 14 school shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. The students were supporting a movement inspired by the Women’s March Youth Empower Movement on the one-month anniversary of the shooting.
About two dozen people gathered at a barn across from the school in support of the youths and cheered. Some passing motorists honked their horns. Deputies of the Champaign County Sheriff’s office and school officials blocked access to the school, but allowed media onto the campus but kept them far from the students.
Supporters of the students gather across U.S. Route 68.
The decision of the students to participate in the nationwide movement drew criticism from some community members within the past week, largely because the nationwide school walkout is closely aligned with a political message that calls for gun control.
Superintendent Kraig Hissong issued a statement Monday that the march would not be sanctioned by the school but administrators would not attempt to interfere with students who chose to participate. He did warn, however, that opting to take part could carry consequences, which would likely be detention if no additional disruptions or violations of student codes arose during the walkout.
Some students, including Logan Cole, the victim of the Jan. 20, 2017, school shooting at WL-S, opted to organize a separate event to remember the Florida students, which was being planned for the noon hour during non-instructional time. The district was allowing students to participate in that event without consequences, according to the superintendent’s letter.
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