NYC students protesting gun violence walk out of class

<p>Hundreds of students advocating gun reform walked out of class across New York City Friday.</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 20, 2018, 11:08 AM

Updated 2,197 days ago

Share:

NYC students protesting gun violence walk out of class
Hundreds of students advocating gun reform walked out of class across New York City Friday.
The walkouts were part of a national call for gun reform across the country.
The day also marked the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre that left 12 students and one teacher dead.
Students at James Monroe High School in the Bronx participated in the nationwide walkouts in a show of solidarity.
Some wore orange ribbons as a tribute to the Columbine victims, while others chanted and held signs.
Ziah Meyers, a participating student, said, “Today was all about advocacy and making sure our voices is heard."
Meyers said gun violence “doesn't just happen in schools, it doesn't just happen in movie theaters, it doesn't just happen in churches. It happens in our neighborhoods and it happens all the time. A bullet doesn't just miss anybody.”
The walkouts were organized by a group called "New York City Says Enough."
The group instructed participating students to meet at Washington Square Park.
Many school officials, including the Department of Education, said students who walked out of class Friday would be penalized.
The DOE said any student who left school grounds would receive an unexcused absence.
In some private schools across the city, such as St. Joseph High School in Brooklyn, however, teachers and other faculty members joined their students in protest to help support the cause.
Dozens of Parkland school survivors flew from Florida to Colorado Thursday to support Columbine survivors on the eve of the anniversary of the tragedy that rocked their community in 1999.
Parkland students survived a shooting in their school back in February during which 16 students and a teacher were killed.


More from News 12
2:29
Traffic delays and road closures expected as Irvington set to host President Joe Biden today

Traffic delays and road closures expected as Irvington set to host President Joe Biden today

1:45
Sunny and pleasant today, freeze warnings overnight

Sunny and pleasant today, freeze warnings overnight

1:07
Schools in Westchester County announce early dismissals ahead of President Biden's visit

Schools in Westchester County announce early dismissals ahead of President Biden's visit

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:24
Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

2:27
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

1:47
Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

0:27
Oklahoma woman pleads guilty in fatal Newburgh drunk driving crash

Oklahoma woman pleads guilty in fatal Newburgh drunk driving crash

0:45
Yonkers officer faces charges in off-duty Bronxville accident

Yonkers officer faces charges in off-duty Bronxville accident

0:21
Dutchess County drivers awarded free cars after completing empowerment program

Dutchess County drivers awarded free cars after completing empowerment program

0:35
20 Hudson Valley public high schools among top 100 in New York state

20 Hudson Valley public high schools among top 100 in New York state

1:09
Headlines: Burglary guilty plea, illegal AR-15 possession, library larceny

Headlines: Burglary guilty plea, illegal AR-15 possession, library larceny

0:17
St. Barnabas High School marks 100 years of education at New Rochelle gala

St. Barnabas High School marks 100 years of education at New Rochelle gala

0:27
Manhattan College and Rockland Community College partnership allows seamless student transfers

Manhattan College and Rockland Community College partnership allows seamless student transfers

0:25
Orangeburg students crowned winners of entrepreneurship competition

Orangeburg students crowned winners of entrepreneurship competition

0:26
Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

0:26
Westchester County DA candidate William Wagstaff secures spot on Democratic primary ballot

Westchester County DA candidate William Wagstaff secures spot on Democratic primary ballot