These kids are all right

Another kind of education is taking place in the nation’s schools. By the tens of thousands, students up and left classrooms to demand action on gun violence and upbraid do-nothing lawmakers. Just as important: The students did it on their own.

Adult onlookers, please take note. These youths are reminding their elders and people in power about the harsh reality of lax firearms laws and the political cowardice that allows it. The walkouts showcase a determined idealism that will soon transfer to voting rolls in coming years.

The protests were designed to last 17 minutes to commemorate the 17 victims of the Parkland, Fla., high school shooting a month ago. The demonstrations filled school parking lots, city streets and the plaza in front of the White House. It was unmistakable and huge.

“Enough is enough,’’ said Claire Sterling, a 17-year old student at El Cerrito High School, sounding one of the walkout slogans. The protests cap weeks of letter writing, meetings and smartphone organizing, all in the name of awareness and action.

It’s impressive and inspiring. A critical national tragedy is being answered by those directly targeted, both the Florida students and their fellow students across the country.

This commitment should shame President Trump, who met with students in the White House and signaled his support for limits on assault rifles, one of which was used with lethal effect in the high school killings. Now he’s dropping that pledge by claiming the political support isn’t there.

He should look out the window or scan his Twitter homebase. Students are furious with his turnabout and won’t forget it. Spurning this spontaneous movement comes with consequences.

Just as lamentable are the threats by some school principals to punish students taking part in the protests. Those administrators are missing a teachable moment — and they are the ones who have something to learn. Education, especially on critical issues, doesn’t always occur inside a classroom.

These students should not be punished. They should be heard.

Joe Raedle / Getty Images A student with the words “Don't shoot” written on her hands walks out with Marjory Stoneman Douglas High classmates in Parkland, Fla.