On Nov. 15, Newport High School students staged a walkout protesting the Bellevue School District’s recent handling of sexual and physical assault claims. This decision was met with a lockdown as well as suspensions and alleged expulsions from the administration.

Following this event, high school students in Sammamish, Bellevue, Interlake and Mercer Island have staged their own walkouts in solidarity and support for the Newport student protesters.

Tuesday Nov. 23, at 9:40 a.m. over 200 MIHS students walked to the ampitheatre. The demonstration lasted 20 minutes, with two student speakers, Aimee Graesser and Devon Benaroya. Additionally, students were encouraged to write down messages of support or urges of change on sticky notes, inspired by Newport High School students.

Below is a gallery of photos from the walkout, accompanied by messages from students and staff.

Gallery • 11 Photos

“I’m very excited that the students felt empowered to walk out. It was very peaceful, and I thought that the message that the student speakers shared was great and very clear and thought out. I love the idea of the sticky notes, and I think it’s just in show of solidarity and community with not just the folks in our building but across King County.” — Dani Melgar, English Teacher

Photos by Brooks Kahsai, Photo Editor