Williamson County Plans For National School Walkout

FRANKLIN, TN -- Williamson County Schools isn't "promoting" the National School Walkout, but Director of Schools Mike Looney says it's preparing for it.

In a letter sent to parents, Looney said the district's principals are preparing for the protest for school safety and stricter gun laws by setting up "predetermined locations" for students to assemble at 10 a.m. March 14, part of a nationwide movement calling for a 17-minute walkout, one minute for each person killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

But, Looney said, in the interest of safety, students will not be allowed to leave campus without permission and that classroom instruction will continue during the protest.

WCS's response is almost identical to what Metro Schools says will be the plan in Davidson County.

Read Looney's letter below.

Some Williamson County Schools students have shared with principals their intent to participate in a 17 minute National School Walkout at 10:00 A.M. on March 14, 2018, in response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy in Florida. WCS is not promoting participation. However, I believe it would be unwise not to prepare and provide families with information.

Williamson County Schools recognizes students’ constitutional right to assemble peacefully and to engage in free speech. For students participating, peaceful assembly will be allowed at predetermined locations designated by school administrators to maximize student safety. Participating students will miss classroom instruction and will be required to complete missed assignments. No student will be permitted to leave campus without being properly checked out by a parent. School visitors will not be permitted on campus during this specific event.

Please take time to discuss the content of this letter with your child (particularly high school and middle school students) and help them understand that all other rules outlined in school handbooks remain in place and will be enforced. We will not tolerate behavior that disrupts school operations or threatens the safety and order of our schools.

My highest priority is to maintain a safe and orderly environment for all students as they learn and grow. As always, if your child needs support please reach out to a teacher, principal or counselor.

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