For Immediate Release

Friday, March 9, 2018

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

Whittier Students to Participate in National School Walkout on Wednesday

HAVERHILL — Joining their counterparts across the U.S., Whittier Tech students will participate in a National School Walkout next week to peacefully protest Congress’ inaction on gun control and support those impacted by the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

The walkout is being organized nationally by Women’s March Youth EMPOWER, which is calling for students, teachers, school administrators, parents and allies to take part on Wednesday, March 14.

Two weeks ago, members of Whittier’s Student Government submitted a proposal to administrators and met with them to plan the walkout at 10 a.m.

Students who wish to join will gather behind the school and walk together around the track for 17 minutes. They will release balloons to symbolize the 17 lives that were lost in Florida and carry a banner they have signed, which will be sent to students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Participation in the walkout is optional, and staff will remain in the building to supervise those who do not wish to go out.

“I am inspired by students who wish to participate in the walkout. It is a powerful opportunity for students to learn about productive civic engagement,” Superintendent Maureen Lynch said. “This is their movement and we support their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.”

At Whittier, school safety and security has been the focus of several initiatives in recent years and new ones are continually being explored, including installing locked doors throughout the building that require key cards to enter.

Other national student-led efforts are also underway:
Saturday, March 24: March for Our Lives for all to participate in Washington, D.C. (@AMarch4OurLives).
Friday, April 20: National School Walkout for students across the nation in local districts on the anniversary of the Columbine shooting (@schoolwalkoutUS).

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