With the administration’s blessing, about 100 students walked out of Morse High School Friday to call for an end to gun violence in solidarity with other students around the country.

Spurred by the death of 17 people during a school shooting in Parkland, Florida, a national walkout took place March 14; Morse students had planned to take part then, but a snowstorm that cancelled school delayed the action.

But on Friday, they were finally able to do so, walking out of class and assembling in front of the school building. The walkout lasted 17 minutes — one minute for each victim of the Parkland shooting.

While most students held signs calling for an end to gun violence, a few students counter-protested the events. They attempted to debate their fellow students and interrupt any displays of unanimity, but the tone remained civil throughout.

Although no speeches were made, there was occasional outbreaks of chanting from the students of “No more silence/End school violence” and “Enough is enough.”

“After the Parkland event happened, people finally started paying attention to the issue of gun violence in schools,” Morse senior Eli Goodrich told The Times Record beforehand. “And I think that was when I really decided that it would be a good idea for my peers and myself to be part of a national movement.

“I think that I am trying to raise awareness for my community that the students are completely involved in this and we realize that gun violence is an issue,” he added. “That’s where we have to start — making the community aware that we don’t feel safe in our schools anymore.”

RSU 1 Superintendent Patrick Manuel emphasized that the protest was a private event, and members of the public were not allowed to interact with the students.

“RSU 1 will allow this student organized activity to happen,” wrote Manuel in a letter to parents. “Students in grades 6-12 will be permitted to participate in a brief break to exercise their free speech rights related to the issue of gun violence at schools. Students that participate will not be penalized regardless of their views, nor will any student be pressured to participate. Students that choose not to be involved will remain in their classrooms.”

Principal John “Jay” Pinkerton noted that he was proud of the students for making their voices heard.

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