Neshaminy High School students peacefully protested what they perceived as indifference to issues of racism, homophobia, and other social issues, felt both on campus and off. The students’ frustration was covered by Julianna Musser, Brianna Vera, Chloe Thompkins, Lyndsay Metts, Nath Hoff, and Gaby Labora, all with the school’s paper The Playwickian.

The genesis of the action seems to be an overall sense at the high school that social justice issues are frequently discussed but never acted upon.

Several participants, for example, cited the use of racial and homophobic slurs in hallways with little or no repercussions. The resulting environment has made several high schoolers uncomfortable and fearful.

The general unease eventually encompassed issues of sexism and ongoing discomfort with the school mascot, the Redskins.

The walkout started with a small-scale protest in the school’s art gallery but soon swelled to numbers necessitating a move outdoors. That suggestion came from Principal Ryan Staub himself, whose handshake to an outspoken student signified his support.

“You came here to walk out, then walk out,” Staub said, supportively.

Another en masse exit the following day prompted some actionable steps. The school’s staff and students launched Active Minds for Awareness and Change, a discussion organization, to promote safety and inclusion.

More on this student action at Neshaminy High School is at The Playwickian.