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High school students in Orange Park walk out of class to protest Florida's 'don't say gay' bill

Jack Petocz, a Flagler Palm Coast High School junior, tweeted that "students are angry, frustrated and ready to fight this sickening piece of legislation."

FLORIDA, USA — Students across Florida protested the 'Don’t Say Gay bill' Thursday by walking out of their classrooms, according to multiple sources. The walk-out protests happened across the state at noon.

Dozens of students at Orange Park High school participated. 

"With the internet access that children have today, there are children that age asking questions, trying to figure out what it is, even if they don't know who they are yet," said student Cadence Miller, 17, during the walkout.

"Children need a safe space away from their parents. This law requires teachers to tell parents if children even begin to discuss these topics. I think that's horrendous. I think children need to be able to talk to people abut these things."

Jack Petocz, a Flagler Palm Coast High School junior, tweeted that "students are angry, frustrated and ready to fight this sickening piece of legislation."

The bill prohibits schools, “from discouraging or prohibiting parental notification and involvement in critical decisions affecting a student's mental, emotional, or physical well-being.”  

The bill also gives parents the right to pursue legal options if they believe a school’s procedures are infringing on their “fundamental right…to make decisions regarding the upbringing and control of their children.” 

 "I'm organizing a statewide school walkout on March 3rd at 12:00 PM in opposition," tweeted Petocz. "I encourage student leaders to join me."

The tweet received thousands of retweets.

RELATED: Amendment made to 'Don't Say Gay' bill changes its language

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