Melbourne Pro-Palestine Group Encourages “School Walkout”

Melbourne students are being encouraged by a pro-Palestine activism group to leave school next Thursday to attend a rally in the CBD.

Free Palestine Melbourne Facebook group posted the event details on Monday, encouraging the “city-wide school walkout at lunchtime on November 23”.

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The walkout is scheduled for 12.30pm, giving students an hour to meet at the steps of Flinders Street Station at 1.30pm.

The group, which describes itself as a “Melbourne-based solidarity action community organising group” also asked students to display posters and distribute leaflets at their schools to promote the event.

In a comment to The Herald Sun, a Victorian Student Representative Council spokesperson said it supported students who practiced “safe, responsible activism”.

“The power of student voice is not limited to education reform and should be listened to, and amplified in, all areas of their civic participation,” they said.

“We encourage students to do their research and be aware of their rights and responsibilities as activists and to take all possible measures to care for their own physical and mental wellbeing as well as considering the wellbeing of others being impacted.”

It is the latest event organised by the group, its latest protest held on Sunday at the State Library.

The event, “March For Palestine: End the Siege on Gaza” has been planned for this Sunday also at the State Library.

Over 300 people have responded they will be going to the event.

Another protest, “End the War on Gaza” has been scheduled for November 26.

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