National School Gun Walkout: Beachwood Plans Event With Students

BEACHWOOD, OH — Schools across the nation will be honoring the 17 people killed at Florida high school Marjory Stoneman. While many students are planning walk-out protests, designed to pressure lawmakers into stricter gun regulations, Beachwood Schools will work with students to hold a moment of mourning.

In a letter to families, Superintendent Robert Hardis said, Beachwood High and Middle School students will work with staff on an event. "We will hold an organized commemoration for the victims of gun violence at 10:00 am with students from both schools meeting at the main stadium," the letter said. "Once assembled, a 17-second moment of silence will be observed in honor of the victims in Parkland, FL and 17 orange balloons (biodegradable) will be released. Students and staff will be encouraged to wear orange as it is the symbol of gun violence awareness."

School security and officers from the Beachwood Police Department will be on-hand to provide supervision and support during the event.

There will also be a commemoration at Hilltop Elementary at abotu 10 a.m. on the blacktop near the playgroun, Hardis said. A 17-second moment of silence will be observed and a balloon release will take place. Attendees will be asked to wear orange. Parents are welcome to attend the event, but will need to sign in at the school building by 9:45 a.m.

Students at Bryden Elementary will not participate in the day's activities. "We feel that these commemoration activities are not appropriate for many Bryden-aged students and thus, we are deferring to parents to determine how much information about gun violence and the Florida shooting should be shared with their children. There will be no organized activities at Bryden in commemoration of gun violence victims. Please know, however, we discuss and review safety procedures with Bryden students in an age-appropriate manner on a regular basis," Hardis said.

Nearby school districts will also have students taking part in planned activities. Student led walkouts will take place at both the Shaker Heights Schools and the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools. Both districts have given their support to students who participate in the planned walk-out protest.

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