Governor Andrew Cuomo is not pleased with some New York schools for imposing disciplinary actions on students who participated in the nationwide walkout to protest gun violence.

On Wednesday, the Albany Times-Union reported that students at Schuylerville and South Glens Falls received disciplinary actions for joining the protests.

In a letter to New York Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, Gov. Cuomo said there had been several reports indicating that schools are disciplining students and faculties for joining the historic event yesterday.

Gov. Cuomo noted that one school “physically blocked the exits to prevent students from demonstrating.” He called the incident “disturbing.”

In addition, the governor said, "These actions send a terrible message to New York's children and are against constitutional free speech protections.” He asked Commissioner Elia to “use the SED’s [State Education Department] to stop these schools, reverse course, and cease any disciplinary actions.”

Gov. Cuomo should applaud students for joining nationwide walkout

“Peaceful expression of views on controversial issues that is not disruptive or threatening is a right that all students have in this country,” said Gov. Cuomo.

Furthermore, he emphasized that any attempts to suppress is a violation of their constitutional rights to free speech. The governor also pointed out that the students are “trying to advance laws and actions that would save their lives. Gov. Cuomo said schools should praise not punish the students for their peaceful demonstrations.

Moreover, Gov. Cuomo instructed Commissioner Elia to investigate reports regarding schools that blocked exits to prevent students from joining yesterday’s event. He said, “This is an egregious safety violation and it is also unlawful.”

Yesterday, Gov. Cuomo participated in the national school walkout day. He stood side by side with faculty members and students who bravely spoke against gun violence.

In a statement, the governor said the students are “intolerant by the bureaucracy and not intimidated by the NRA.” He added, “You have the students showing more leadership than the so-called leaders in Washington…We want to mobilize this force in New York.” He encouraged students to stay involved.

New York Educ. Commissioner supports students’ protest

In an open letter to Gov. Cuomo, Commissioner Elia said she supports students who exercised their right to free speech. According to her, they issued a statement yesterday commending New York students for their bold leadership. The described their action a “peaceful, yet powerful display of unity and civic engagement.”

In addition, Commissioner Elia told the governor, “We will investigate any reports where the safety of students was put in jeopardy, as we always do.”