Walkouts have been planned in more than a dozen school districts throughout New Jersey after a mass shooting at a Florida high school last week left 17 people dead.

The walkouts, aimed at advocating for changes in gun laws, are planned to take place for 17 minutes on March 14 at 10 a.m. The national effort is being organized by the creators of the Women's March.

The walkouts in New Jersey are planned at districts as far south as Shawnee High School in Medford and as north as the Morris County School of Technology in Denville.

"Many friends and family members of mine became afraid to go to school, and developed feelings of anxiety over the helplessness that they felt regarding this issue," Sana Shaikh, a student at the Morris County School of Technology, said in an email.

"This event seemed like a good way to give myself and others a sense of purpose in this rough time period and express to government position holders our concerns over our country's gun laws."

More than a dozen walkouts were put on a map on the national organizer's website as happening next month. Any student, parent, school staff member or neighbor can "host" the event and put the details on the organization's map.

Not all walkouts are affiliated - or approved - by the local school district.

Shaikh said the event won't be held unless the school agrees to it and officials are still discussing how to best "execute" the event while keeping student safety in mind.

"The walkout should have the administration's approval, as a protest of the school, not against it," Shaikh said.

Representatives of the school's administration did not immediately return requests for comment.

Conversations are being held at other districts where walkouts have been planned, such as at Westfield High School, where students have contacted Principal Derrick Nelson to discuss the walkout day.

"I have every confidence that both students and staff at Westfield High School will handle this important matter seriously and safely," Superintendent Margaret Dolan said in an emailed statement.

A walkout has also been listed at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, but the district hasn't taken a position on it, Superintendent Margaret Hayes said.

"While we support students' rights to express their opinions, we are also mindful of student safety issues that would need to be considered with regard to this event," Hayes said.

Shaikh said she hopes the walkout brings about "legitimate conversation" in reforming gun laws.

"The walkout gives young people who cannot yet vote an outlet to express their anger and concern, and allows them to play an important role in the democratic process," Shaikh said.

Sara Jerde may be reached at sjerde@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SaraJerde.

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