National Student Walkout Day

A diverse group of students walking together, holding signs and wearing comfortable sneakers and casual clothing, surrounded by a school campus scenery.. — National student walkout day illustration

Hey there, folks! Get ready to put on your walking shoes and grab your signs because it's National Student Walkout Day!

When is Student Walkout Day?

It's national student walkout day on the 4th March.

What is National Student Walkout Day?

National Student Walkout Day is an important day when students across the country come together to peacefully protest and advocate for change. It's a day where young voices are heard loud and clear, demanding action on important issues like gun control, climate change, and social justice. The day is a powerful display of unity and determination as students leave their classrooms and march for a cause they believe in.

A Brief History

The origins of National Student Walkout Day can be traced back to the early 21st century when students became increasingly vocal about their concerns. The idea quickly gained traction, and on March 4, 2020, the day was officially recognized and celebrated for the first time.

How to Participate

Participating in National Student Walkout Day is easy! All you need to do is organize or join a walkout at your school or in your community. Plan a peaceful demonstration, create signs with powerful messages, and make sure your voice is heard. Remember to always follow safety guidelines and work with school administrators to ensure a peaceful and safe protest. It's important to rally together with like-minded individuals and show the world that students are a force to be reckoned with.

History behind the term 'Student Walkout'

1968

Birth of Student Walkouts

The term 'student walkout' originates in 1968 during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. This was a time of significant social unrest, particularly in relation to racial discrimination. In response to the prevalent inequality and injustice, students started organizing protests and demonstrations to demand equal rights and an end to racial segregation in schools and society.

1968

Los Angeles High School Walkouts

The first notable incidence of student walkouts occurred in Los Angeles in March 1968. Thousands of Mexican American students from different high schools walked out of their classes to protest against the poor quality of education available to them. This movement, often referred to as the Chicano Blowouts, aimed to bring attention to the educational inequalities faced by Mexican American students.

1970

Anti-Vietnam War Protests

During the early 1970s, student walkouts gained traction as a means of expressing opposition to the Vietnam War. Students were strongly against their peers being drafted into combat and wanted to demonstrate their anti-war sentiment. Walkouts and protests took place on college campuses across the country, with students demanding an end to the war and advocating for peace.

2018

National School Walkout

In recent years, student walkouts have gained renewed attention as a way for students to advocate for gun control and protest against school shootings. The National School Walkout on March 14, 2018, marked one of the largest student-led protests in U.S. history. It aimed to honor the victims of the Parkland school shooting and call for stricter gun control measures.

2020

Climate Change Strikes

Another significant development in student walkouts occurred with the rise of climate change activism. Starting in 2020, students around the world organized walkouts and strikes to raise awareness about the urgent need for action against climate change. Young activists like Greta Thunberg became prominent figures in the movement, inspiring millions of students to take to the streets to demand environmental justice.

Did you know?

Did you know that National Student Walkout Day was inspired by the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s? Students back then staged walkouts to protest racial segregation and advocate for equal rights. These courageous actions paved the way for future generations to peacefully fight for change.