Source: TexasTribune.org

Nearly 500 students at three Austin-area districts participated in walkoutsas well, the Austin American-Statesman reported. Students said the activity seen in Texas schools is largely due to the example Parkland survivors have been setting. The demonstrations were the first of three planned nationwide events. The next is scheduled for March 14, the one-month anniversary of the Parkland shooting, and the final walkout is set for April 20 for the 19-year anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting in Colorado, which left 13 people dead. Separately, a March 24 rally to stop school shootings is being planned in various communities, including in Austin. Administrators in Austin worked with students but not all have. The superintendent of Needville ISD in the Houston-area Fort Bend County threatened to suspend students who take part in demonstrations against gun violence during school hours. Other administrators have been hestitate to support due to safety concerns.