Hackensack High School walkout canceled due to security threat

Hackensack High School students will no longer take part in a walkout Wednesday in response to the shooting in Parkland, Florida following security threats investigated by the district.

Several students told teachers and administrators Tuesday about rumors of violence related to the walkout, Superintendent Rosemary Marks said. The majority of the 1,900 students at the high school intended to participate in the walkout and after Hackensack police were consulted it was canceled because of the threat, Marks said.

"Our communications to parents and the community is really we’re in this together," the superintendent said, "and if there’s something that feels off or is of slight concern, it’s important and we need to know about it."

The walkouts are part of a national movement on the one-month anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that left 17 people dead.

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Instead of the walkout, Hackensack will share a student-led presentation in support of the Florida students that will be streamed to all classrooms.

"We do believe having our students' voices heard and giving students an opportunity to express their support of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School is important," Marks said, adding that the administrators are proud of the efforts of the student body.

Schools throughout Hackensack will have an increased police presence Wednesday as a precaution, Marks said.

The superintendent could not say if anyone was identified or disciplined regarding the threats.

Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Northern Valley Regional, Lyndhurst and Madison were some of the North Jersey schools expected to hold walkouts Wednesday.

Email: jongsma@northjersey.com