Experts and administrators of the Charter HS for the Arts met March 14 for a public panel discussion on school security. It was not coincidence that the day began with a nationwide 17-minute school walkout by teens seeking to move the debate on school shootings and gun violence.

In an automated call to district parents at 6 p.m., Liberty HS Principal Harrison Bailey said, “While don’t advocate for missing academics, we chose to support our students’ right to protest these horrible events and commemorate the lives lost last month in Florida.” He said he and his staff are very proud of how serious and respectful the students were during the event, and that it showed their commitment to working together to change the world.

Charter HS for the Arts CEO Diane LaBelle said she is are proud of the students for holding a respectful vigil, which was more acknowledgement of what occurred than a protest. She said another walk-out is being planned for April 20 – the anniversary of the Columbine attack.

Police Chief Mark DiLuzio said, “Hopefully legislators will look at them as potential voters and listen to them. Because they’re not listening to many of us.”