Knoxville — Dozens of Knoxville high school students walked out of class Friday, calling for an end to gun violence and showing solidarity for victims of mass shootings.
The demonstrations were part of National School Walkout, an initiative that calls attention to the gun violence exactly 19 years after the Columbine High School shooting.
Two Knoxville high schools planned versions of the walkout, during which students registered to vote, wrote letters to lawmakers, listened to speakers and held moments of silence for victims.
"We also want to send a message to students that this is a time to standup and use your voice, that we have the power to make change, to make a difference," said West High School student Zoe Brookshire-Risley, who survived the Tennessee Valley Universalist Unitarian Church shooting in 2008.
Students at West High School told 10News the walkout lasted about 45 minutes. They said it was up to the students if they wanted to participate in the walkout, and they are not aware of any students facing consequences.
At L&N STEM Academy, students also made posters to march around campus.
Administrators say they appreciate how the students approached staff to plan a walkout so as to avoid absence or discipline issues.
"I'm glad to see students practicing what we teach them, that there is a way to disagree professionally, that there is a way to have your voice heard," L&N STEM Principal Becky Ashe said.