Youth Against the War - International Schools protest plans
Youth Against the War
Press Release
School Students Gearing up for Walkouts against the War on Wednesday March 5th
Most schools giving support but a number of
Youth against the War activists threatened with
disciplinary action if they walk out
School students across
Northern Ireland are preparing for walkouts from school this Wednesday (5th
March) as part of an international day of school strikes against the war in
Iraq.
Schools in Belfast, Derry, Lisburn, Newry, Bangor, Omagh,
Coleraine and a number of other areas will be affected. The walkouts have been
called by Youth Against the War and so far the response to the call has
been overwhelming.
Youth Against the War
spokesperson, Chris Loughlin, today commented: "Our members have been
organising support in their schools and have had a huge response. For example
in one school in Newry, St Colmans, 350 turned up for a meeting called by Youth
Against the War. There was unanimous support for the walkout call.
"During the last
week hundreds of school students have joined Youth Against the War and pledged
that they will be taking action on Wednesday. In most cases the schools have
been sympathetic and have given some support.
"However there have
been a number of exceptions. Some of our members have been called before their
principals and threatened with disciplinary action if they walkout. Youth
Against the War is demanding that all such threats be withdrawn. School
students have a democratic right to protest and it is important that their
voice is allowed to be heard against this war for oil."
Wednesday's action will
take different forms in different areas. In most cases it will involve
lunchtime protests at school gates. In a number of areas, town centre rallies
have been organised.
Full details of these
will be circulated to the media before Wednesday. A press conference is also
planned for Tuesday afternoon at which Youth Against the War spokespersons will
explain what is happening and what it is hoped the walkouts will achieve.
Youth Against the War Central
Spokesperson
David Semple, Our Lady & St. Patrick’s,
Knock 07745207693
or contact Gary Mulcahy on 90232962
Co-ordinating Committee & Area
spokespersons
Belfast: Billy Lockard, St. Marys CBS.
Lisburn: Deborah Watson, Wallace High School
Bangor: David Semple, Our Lady’s
& St, Patrick’s, Knock
Derry: Seamus Reilly, St
Columb's College
Omagh: Daniel Waldron, Omagh Academy
Newry: Jenny Deane, Sacred
Heart Grammar
Coleraine: Chris Henry, Dominican College, Portstewart