Students from local high schools are participating in a planned walkout to show their support for stopping the Israel-Hamas war.
The 11 a.m. walkout started at Wooster and Reno High schools.
They later met at the Bruce R. Thompson Courthouse and Federal Building in downtown Reno.
Our reporter Faith Justis will have a wrap-up on today's newscasts.Â
In response, the Washoe County School District sent us this statement:Â
"As a district, we have always placed a high value on student voice and encouraged our students to express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions about local, national, and international issues. We strive to teach our students to embrace diversity, value free speech, discuss controversial topics productively, and discover and consider the ideas and viewpoints of others in a peaceful and constructive way.
"We understand some of our high school students may participate in a possible event to protest the Israel/Hamas war this week. This event is one of many taking place in communities across the nation and the world. And while the Washoe County School District understands and respects the emotional component and intent of these events, our first priority is educating our students.
"In order for us to carry out this mission, our students must attend school.
"If students decide to participate in a walkout, they will be marked tardy or absent (depending on the length of time they are out of class). These will not be excused. Participating students must not disturb the educational setting or engage in disruptive behaviors that are unsafe or that risk the security of the school and fellow students."
The rally is one of many being held across the country, mostly on college campuses. Overnight about 300 people were arrested at Columbia University and City College in New York City. And violent protests broke out at UCLA, prompting the school to cancel classes.Â
