BURROUGHS STUDENTS LEAVE CLASSES, STAGE PROTEST.Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer BURBANK - Worried about a possible war against Iraq, more than 50 students from John Burroughs High School John Burroughs High School is a public high school located in Burbank, California. Emilio Urioste, Jr. is the current principal. The school was built in the 1920's, but wasn't established as a high school until 1948. The school was named after naturalist John Burroughs. walked out of class Tuesday to stage a peaceful anti-war protest. Plopping down fat backpacks and shoulder bags on the sidewalk A Microsoft service that was launched in 1997 to provide online arts and entertainment guides on the Web for major cities worldwide. In 1999, Microsoft sold Sidewalk to Ticketmaster, which continued to provide guides, ticketing and other information to the MSN network. near the school's running track, they chanted chant n. 1. a. A short, simple series of syllables or words that are sung on or intoned to the same note or a limited range of notes. b. A canticle or prayer sung or intoned in this manner. c. such slogans as ``Ain't no power like people power, 'cuz people power don't stop.'' ``We're here because we don't think we should get involved with Iraq,'' said Danielle DeMasters, 16, who missed her algebra algebra, branch of mathematics concerned with operations on sets of numbers or other elements that are often represented by symbols. Algebra is a generalization of arithmetic and gains much of its power from dealing symbolically with elements and operations (such as class to join the demonstration. ``It's not our business to meddle med·dle intr.v. med·dled, med·dling, med·dles 1. To intrude into other people's affairs or business; interfere. See Synonyms at interfere. 2. To handle something idly or ignorantly; tamper. with other countries.'' Piero Giunti, 17, said he was inspired to organize the protest after participating in Saturday's anti-war rally in downtown Los Angeles Downtown Los Angeles is the central business district of Los Angeles, California, located close to the geographic center of the metropolitan area. The sprawling, multi-centered megacity is such that its downtown core is often considered just another district like Hollywood or that drew thousands of demonstrators, including Martin Sheen, star of NBC's ``The West Wing,'' and singer Jackson Browne. ``We should be allowed to express our opinions on this war,'' Giunti said. ``Society sees us teenagers as just a bunch of kids, but by us being out here, we are sharing what we are really thinking.'' Giunti said the protest is part of a national student resistance movement begun by Not In Our Name, a national anti-war group formed last March in New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. . He is already focusing on future peace events. ``I'm hoping we can organize something bigger, with maybe both high schools,'' he said, referring to Burbank High School Burbank High School may refer to:
From a distance, Giunti's father, Mario Giunti, watched his son approvingly. ``If he wants to do this, then why not?'' the elder Giunti said. ``I don't want my son to go anywhere to fight for something that is not (in the best interest) of people.'' While some students used the event to miss class, most seemed serious in their convictions. A few offered opposing views, supporting a U.S.-led war against Iraq. ``I think we should attack Iraq,'' said Brett Tiel, 14, who watched the protest with his friend, Matthew Peters, 15. ``They are building weapons of mass destruction Weapons that are capable of a high order of destruction and/or of being used in such a manner as to destroy large numbers of people. Weapons of mass destruction can be high explosives or nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological weapons, but exclude the means of transporting or . If they don't deal with them now, then we'll end up paying for it later.'' The protest was monitored by police and school officials, including Principal Emilio Urioste who worried that the anti-war demonstration would attract negative attention. ``I'm all for freedom of speech,'' Urioste said. ``But there is a time and a place. It's a safety issue. I'm worried that someone who takes an opposing view from theirs will hurt them.'' Urioste said he was considering taking action against participants of the walkout. Some students were warned they could be suspended. Giunti, the student organizer, said no matter the consequences, he believes it is important to raise his voice. ``It's worth it,'' he said. ``There are a lot of kids that don't want to be drafted.'' CAPTION(S): 2 photos Photo: (1) Burroughs High students pass out fliers Tuesday for an anti-war protest at the school. More than 50 students took part. (2) Chanting students hold up posters Tuesday during their anti-war demonstration on campus. John McCoy/Staff Photographer |
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