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Local high school students organize "walkout" in support of abortion rights

In response to current Roe v. Wade discussions
Posted: 10:55 AM, May 17, 2022
Updated: 2022-05-17 18:48:47-04
Tucson High School Walkout.jpg

This story originally included an incorrect district represented by Michelle Valenzuela.

High school students are organizing a walkout in response to the current Roe v. Wade discussions taking place across America.

So far, KGUN 9 has heard of 17 schools with students involved with this protest.

Students walked out of school at starting around 10 a.m. Wednesday.

These potential protesters made their way over to the University of Arizona from their respective schools.

Live update from student protest on abortion rights

From 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., they are holding a peace rally at the Highland Quad off of 6th Street.

Participants are encouraged to wear neon pink and black.

High school students rally at UA over abortion rights

The Tucson Unified School District told KGUN 9 this is NOT a district-sponsored event.

In the spirit of securing campus safety, any students participating in the walkout and leaving campus before the end of the school day will not be allowed to re-enter the school once they’ve left.

Students who leave campus to participate in the walkout will be charged with an unexcused absence with no opportunity to makeup work.

Superintendent Dr. Gabriel Trujillo wants students to remain in class since the district cannot ensure their safety once they leave campus.

LIVE: Student rally on abortion rights

The Vail Unified School District chimed in saying they are not behind this walkout either.

This walkout conflicts with our final exam schedule. We want to be sure that you and your students understand that students who have unexcused absences will not be able to make up their exams because our school year finishes on Thursday.

We support students’ rights to express their opinions on all issues that move them, but the timing for this gathering presents academic consequences in our District because of final exams.

However, Amphi's Director of Communications Michelle Valenzuela clarified the district will not prevent students from leaving campus.

Students walk out to protest Roe v Wade

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Caleb Fernández is a digital content producer for KGUN 9. After earning his bachelor's degree from Penn State in Advertising/Public Relations, Caleb went to New York where he learned production assistance, photography and art direction. Share your story ideas and important issues with Caleb by emailing caleb.fernandez@kgun9.com or by connecting on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.