On Friday, February 7th, students were seen gathering during nutrition holding flags, making noise, and waiting for the right moment. There was tension in the air, everyone was apprehensive about whether or not students would follow through with the walkout. 

Then, a brave scholar walked out, and a rush of students began leaving. One after another, almost ⅓ of the school was gone, and teachers stood by, watching the protest ensue.

But before the start of the walkout, the students who coordinated this event planned to gather students and get approval from teachers, students willing to participate, and nearby schools. Some scholars said the walkout would not work because some staff may block the exits and there will be consequences for those who participated in this walkout. Others got advice and opinions from some of the teachers and devised a plan on how to follow through with the proposed idea.

Some students who are in 11th grade helped plan and organize the walkout to increase the chances of making the walkout a success. More than 8 people assisted in coordinating this protest, however, students from all grades were involved, not just those in 11th. Numerous students were concerned about the consequences of partaking in the event, but many were determined to make the walkout a reality. When people began walking out, those who stayed were surprised to see students taking such a big risk, as some of the scholars who left were enrolled in AP courses. After leaving the building, the schools who had planned the walkout gathered together.

What seemed a peaceful protest with all schools doing walkouts, led to an unexpected turn of events. From the parent's perspective, the schools at downtown city hall weren’t working with each other very well as if it were a school rivalry. Allegedly, many fights occurred between scholars from different schools, students jumping other individuals as they were headed back home or back to their schools. (there are videos about these fights) 

As seen through several sources online (Mainly Instagram stories from students who participated in the walkout and TikTok), people walked for miles before reaching city hall. There was a video of what appeared to be a shooting being heard in a tunnel and high schoolers running out in fear. A particular scene that stood out to many was one where a group of guys jumped a student who got stabbed amid chaos. The person who had stabbed the individual was arrested and the sound of gunshots was a firework someone had set off but none of this is confirmed. 

Since this walkout was quite disorderly and at first confusing, we believe that some changes, such as more planning for future protests, could benefit and increase the effectiveness of student-led advocacy.

Our suggestions for future walkouts:

• Keep a consistent tone and motivate your audience to encourage people to engage

• Illustrate the severity of the situation

• Provide or bring resources (water and/or food) that will be required for scholars who will be participating 

• Explain what they expect to achieve from the walkout

• Make sure everyone knows who to follow to not cause confusion

• Try to ensure the safety of the people who are joining, for example, students could protest outside their schools so no one gets lost

• Be prepared and willing to face the consequences of your actions