PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Reed College students boycotted class on Monday as part of a national movement.

Students told KOIN 6 News they protested to stand in solidarity with victims of recent police shootings throughout the country.

Actor Isaiah Washington called on people to join the boycott # StayAtHomeSeptember262016 in support of the movement. One of the student organizers on campus, Addison Bates, said Washington motivated them to get involved.

“The reason we came out is because Isaiah Washington, a black actor, called black people across the nation to stay at home to protest institutions that are based on racism,” she said.

“Our institution has a 50% retention rate for black students. It has six black faculty members. Only two of them have tenure.”

Reed’s Dean of Students, Bruce Smith, said he is proud of the students for taking action.

“I think we’re really hopeful and proud of the work that they’re doing today,” he said. “We’re here today to listen. That’s our job to listen to them, to hear what they have to say.”