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Maumelle High hosts student-led assembly in lieu of walkout

Lack of communication, arming teachers with guns and fear over a school lockdown last week were a few things discussed.

MAUMELLE, Ark. (KTHV) - #NationalWalkOutDay was a trending hashtag on Twitter today.

Students and faculty at Maumelle High School gathered for a student-led assembly, as opposed to participating in the event outside.

Many are concerned about safety after an incident that occurred just last Friday.

“We were supposed to talk at the podium, but we wanted to talk down here to make everyone feel more comfortable and like this is student led,” said Willow Breshears, one of several assembly organizers.

She and her classmates are standing in solidarity with the Parkland shooting victims and students all around the country taking a stance on gun violence.

“The shooting at Stoneman Douglas High school was the 18th gun related incident to occur on a school camps this year. That is 18 too many,” Breshears said.

Maumelle High students wanted to honor the 17 lives lost in Florida, have an honest discussion and voice their opinions honestly.

"I'm sure you all have heard people talk about arming the teachers. I say not let's do that exactly, but arm the veteran teachers who've served in the military possibly,” one student said.

One by one, they took the mic in front of their peers, principal and local law enforcement to share school safety concerns.

“In the mornings, whenever the doors are opened to the school, at least have one or two security officers there so they who is walking in,” said another.

Lack of communication, arming teachers with guns and fear over a school lockdown last week were a few things discussed.

“We received communication at the end of our last lunch that a student had been approached by some other students in a vehicle in the parking lot, one wearing a mask and the other had a weapon,” Principal Jeff Senn said.

That weapon turned out to be a BB gun. Still, Maumelle students said they are scared when they should be focused on learning.

"I think they're legitimately afraid for their lives. On Friday it was so scary, I had to call my mom and tell her I loved her in case I never saw her again. That's terrifying,” said Breshears.

Principal Senn plans to meet with each grade level individually for small group conversations to further allow students a chance to express how they feel.

Starting this fall, students will be required to scan an id for building entry.

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