Toronto District School Board says it is aware of possible walkouts today over Israel-Hamas war

The Toronto District School Board says it is aware that there are some student-led walkouts planned for today over the Israel-Hamas war.

The Toronto District School Board says it is aware that there are some student-led walkouts planned for today over the Israel-Hamas war.

"It is our understanding that the walkouts are being organized by students in support of Palestinians," the TDSB said in a statement. "The TDSB is not involved in organizing these walkouts, nor are we in a position to permit them or stop them from occurring.

"While we recognize that students want to express themselves individually and collectively, it is critical that they do so in constructive, respectful and responsible ways. Any participating students are being advised to hold any walkout/protests off school property."

In a statement sent out to media, a number of student groups supporting Palestinians said they feel compelled to speak out about the situation to address what's happening in Gaza, anti-Palestinian racism and a "surge" of Islamophobia In Canada.

"The primary objective of our protest is to condemn the senseless loss of innocent lives in the current world climax," the student groups wrote.

They said their protests will involve wearing Palestinian scarves (Keffiyehs), as well as cultural music and poetry.

The group issued a list of requests from the school administration around how Palestinian students are treated, mirroring those issued by another group which held a news conference Wednesday, and how they would like to see Palestinian issues discussed in schools.