### Parents Criticize Bellevue School District Over Palestine Walkout on October 7

In Bellevue, a walkout in support of Palestine on Monday has stirred considerable controversy, coinciding with the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Students from at least one Bellevue school participated in the protest, leaving some parents questioning the school's handling of the situation.

KOMO News reported seeing around six students gathering at the flagpole of Interlake High School at approximately 11 a.m. for the walkout. School staff intervened, requesting KOMO News crews to vacate the premises while they monitored the event to ensure safety.

The walkout was part of a broader initiative dubbed "Walkout for Palestine," organized through a social media campaign targeting high schools and colleges throughout Washington state.

Eitan Gor, a parent of four children attending schools in the Bellevue School District, expressed his disapproval of the timing of the protest. He argued that holding such an event on a day that marks the murder of Jews in their homes is immoral. Gor also criticized the school district for not taking stronger measures to prevent the walkout, saying it appeared to celebrate violence rather than promote peace and freedom.

A letter signed by about 1,000 parents and submitted to Bellevue School District leaders last week demanded a prohibition on rallies during school hours that reference or relate to October 7 or the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The letter also called for a reaffirmation of the district's zero-tolerance stance on hate speech.

Despite inquiries from KOMO News, the Bellevue School District has yet to issue a response regarding the demonstration.

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal issued guidance to school districts statewide, warning of potential student-led walkouts on October 7. He highlighted the significance of the date as a somber remembrance of one of the deadliest global terrorist attacks and stressed the potential for such protests to be perceived as antisemitic and discriminatory by Jewish students.

Reykdal acknowledged the increase in student-led protests and walkouts across the U.S. in the past year, emphasizing that while such expressions are protected, schools are responsible for maintaining a safe and non-discriminatory learning environment. He urged schools to collaborate with students to find alternative locations or times for such protests to avoid disrupting the general student population.

Reykdal highlighted the critical role schools play in fostering civil discourse and mutual respect among students while connecting classroom learning to real-world events. His message concluded with a call for using the occasion to engage in meaningful conversations about community and discrimination, underpinning October 7 as a day for remembrance.