West Kings walks out

A group of students walked out of school - and off the property - at West Kings District High School

earlier today, October 3 to protest a backpack policy now being enforced by the school administration.

The issue of students carrying backpacks throughout the day first surfaced at the Auburn-area high

school several years ago, when students were told they had to leave their backbacks in lockers and

could not carry them to class. Since that time, the rules have been relaxed but, when they came back

to class this September, students were informed the "no backpack" rule would be strictly enforced starting in October.

About 75 students, chanting slogans and waving signs at passing motorists, used the walkout to

show their opposition to the policy, which they say is unfair. School administrators were kept busy

monitoring students and the demonstration, which took place on the south side of Highway 1

across from the school in the morning. They were unavailable for comment on the issue, but a

spokesperson from the school office said the backpack ruling was devised to improve safety following

a reccomendation from the local fire marshall's office.