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Last updated at 7:01 p.m.

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FRAMINGHAM – Today, March 15, several 7th and 8th grade students held a “peaceful protest” at Walsh Middle School in Framingham, after lunch, according to Principal Patrick Johnson.

The protest covered a “variety of human rights issues including but not limited to Black Lives Matter, No Means No, Stop Racism,” according to Principal Johnson.

Framingham Police were called to the protest today.

The Principal told SOURCE out of about 800 students, about 30 were involved in the protest.

“We support students in their beliefs and will continue to encourage opportunities for them to speak out on topics they are passionate about. Unfortunately today’s particular exercise in civil disobedience escalated to the point where many students were loudly traveling through the hallways, which was disruptful to their fellow classmates,” said Principal Johnson in an email to families tonight, after 4:30 p.m.

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“We recognize that this escalation caused distress for many faculty members and students. We will be working in the coming days to meet with staff and students, as well as collaborate with district personnel, to problem solve ways to reinforce a positive learning environment. Part of this work will be addressing microaggressions, encouraging staff and students to be upstanders and to “Say Something” if they “See Something” that goes against our core values,” said Johnson to Framingham.

“We did call the Framingham Police Department to help with the de-escalation of the protest and to ensure the safety and well being of our students and staff,” said Principal Johnson.

“Our student support staff were made available to check in with students, as-needed. Our team hopes to meet directly with students and staff to listen and best understand how to support our Walsh community moving forward,” said Principal Johnson in an email to families.

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By editor

Susan Petroni is the former editor for SOURCE. She is the founder of the former news site, which as of May 1, 2023, is now a self-publishing community bulletin board. The website no longer has a journalist but a webmaster.