NATICK — A group of about 20 Natick High School students walked out of school on Wednesday, April 30, in protest of the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.
At approximately 1 p.m., the students walked outside the high school on West Street and across the street. There, they called for an end to the war, a ceasefire in the region, the release of all hostages taken by Hamas and the establishment of a two-state solution.
Students also made clear that they opposed any form of antisemitism.
“We’re protesting the genocide happening in Gaza,” Hatcher Cheeseman-Meyer told the Daily News during the walkout. He said the walkout’s goal was to raise awareness of Palestinians killed over the course of the conflict.
A group of about 20 Natick High School students walked out of class at about 1 p.m. Wednesday in protest of the ongoing Israel-Hamas War, April 30, 2025. They assembled on a sidewalk near the school and read statements calling for the war to end, a ceasefire in the region, the release of all hostages taken by Hamas and the establishment of a two-state solution.
Ozzy Wiest, another student, said he was “standing in solidarity against the genocide.” Wiest, wearing a “Make Israel Palestine Again” hat, said that while he doesn’t think the walkout will accomplish much, he hoped it would bring awareness.
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On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking more than 200 people hostage. In response, Israel declared a war aimed at eradicating the group. Over the course of the fighting, USA TODAY reported that more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed, citing the Hamas-controlled health ministry.
School says walkout was not organized by staff
This isn’t the first time Natick students have walked out over controversial issues. In June 2022, students walked out in support of gun law reform about a week after a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
Corrie Kerr, director of communications for Natick Public Schools, shared a statement that the district emailed to parents and guardians. In it, administrators said that as they balance students’ free expression, they recognized concerns some may have about how it could affect their school day, sense of safety and sense of belonging.
A group of about 20 Natick High School students walked out of class at about 1 p.m. Wednesday in protest of the ongoing Israel-Hamas War, April 30, 2025.
Earlier: Students in Natick, Framingham stage walkouts against gun violence in the wake of Uvalde
“In order to facilitate a non-disruptive school environment, we have told the students that if they choose to gather, they need to do so off campus under appropriate supervision,” the email reads. “Further, in accordance with our past practice, any time we are aware of student gatherings off campus, we notify our partners at the Natick Police Department, who are working with us to support our young people.”
The message went on to state that in accordance with the student handbook, the school does not condone students missing school without appropriate documentation.
“We have been in contact with the student organizers and made them aware that missing class will have the typical attendance-related consequences,” the email continues. “We have also communicated with our staff to proceed with our regular school day as scheduled.”
Along with saying that any hate speech, bullying or retaliation should be reported immediately, the email concludes: “Our goal is to support all students, no matter their views, in feeling safe, respected and heard in our school community.”
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Natick High School students walk out in protest of Israel-Hamas War