Students across the United States are walking out of school Wednesday as part of a national protest in response to the Parkland, Florida massacre.
It's unclear the extent to which these protests will hit the Sioux Falls area, but students in many schools have expressed interest in participating.
Let's start with background on the national effort.
What is the walkout about?
It's a national protest in which students, teachers and other participants are pushing for legislation that will keep schools, churches, streets and homes safe from gun violence. National organizers call gun violence a "public health crisis" and urge gun reform laws.
The event was spurred by the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida in which a shooter killed 17 people.
Who started this?
The Women's March Youth EMPOWER group.
When will the walkout happen?
It's scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday in all time zones.
Are students allowed to participate?
Well, yes and no. Students don't lose their First Amendment rights at school. But, schools can (and likely will) punish students who walk out in the same way as they'd punish students for skipping class, which could mean detention or suspension depending on district policy. The American Civil Liberties Union has a guide for students who want to participate in the national walkout.
Will Sioux Falls students join the protest?
Not necessarily. While it's possible local students will participate in the national walkout advocating for gun reform laws, many schools have worked with students to put together nonpolitical events instead. Edison Middle School, for example, is hosting a "Walk Up" school assembly encouraging students to be kind to one another as a way to promote safety.
I'm in Harrisburg/Tea/Brandon. What do I need to know?
Harrisburg Superintendent Jim Holbeck said Monday he didn't know of any planned walkouts or school-sanctioned events supporting school safety or remembering the Florida shooting victims. Consequences for any students who walk out will be determined after the fact, he said.
No events are planned in Tea at this point, though middle school students have talked about finding a way to bring focus to "taking care of every student," Superintendent Jennifer Lowery said. Parents and students have also been reminded of the attendance policy.
The Brandon Valley School District superintendent was not reachable for comment for this article.
Is this the same walkout that sparked controversy in Garretson earlier this month?
No. Students in Garretson were planning a walkout associated with a different national effort scheduled for April 20 on the 20-year anniversary of the Columbine shooting. The school had at one point planned to be a part of that event but subsequently revoked their involvement.
How can I follow the national walkout on social media?
You can stick with argusleader.com for local coverage, but if you're looking to see what's happening nationally, the event hashtag is #ENOUGH, though others including #NeverAgain and #MarchForOurLives have also been used to support the same protest effort.