Pupils plan anti-war walkout
BY Claire Regan, Education Reporter for the Belfast Telegraph.
Thousands of pupils will walk out of scores of schools across Northern Ireland in protest against the war on Iraq despite the threat of suspension facing many of them, it was claimed today.
Members of Youth Against the War this morning remained defiant after a number of schools expected to be hit by thr mass protest issued warnings of disciplinary action against those taking part.
The youth group calim that thousands of pupils at around 40 schools right across the province will voice their concern over looming war by walking out of school at lunch time today and joining a number of planned rallies.
Omagh Academy pupil Daniel Waldron said he would be joining 20 others in walking out of school at 1pm to join counterparts from five other local schools at the towns Court House. Daniel said: "There will be pupils from around 40 schools across Northern Ireland joining various rallies being staged. This is our chance to have our voices heard. Many of us have very strong beliefs on teh war against Iraq and we have a right to protest against it."
Omagh Academy principal Jim McBain said he recognised his senior pupils' right to express their opinion in a democratic way. Our sixth formers have permission to go into the town at lunch time every day, including today", he said.
"As the rally will be taking place at that time, it doesen't impose on school management, they are allowed to be there and they will not be facing any action."
Meanwhile, it was claimed today that around 200 pupils at Belfast's St. Malachy's College would also be walking out despite being warned that they would not be authorised to do so. According to one pupil from the Antrim Road school, pupils will leave at 12.05pm and walk to the city centre.
Voce-Principal Jim McDonnell said this morning pupils would be designated as being an "unauthorised absence" if they take part. "We simply can't have boys of 12 and 13 leaving the school and walking down to the city centre without supervision", he said.
The pupil, who did not wish to be named, added he felt it was wrong for the school to deter pupils from taking part.