Growing list of N.C. colleges, universities say high schoolers won't hurt admission chances if they get suspended for protesting guns

High school students who participate in planned school walkouts seeking gun reform may have to worry about disciplinary actions from their high school.

But a growing number of colleges and universities, including some here in North Carolina, say those students don't need to worry about their admission chances if they get a black mark on their high school record.

After the Valentine's Day shooting that left 17 students and faculty members dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, high school students and others have been clamoring for gun reform. Those efforts have included school walkouts. Some have happened. Others are planned.

But some high school students have been worried about participating - concerned that a suspension or other disciplinary action could hurt their chances to get into college.

In North Carolina, those colleges and universities include:

"In response to the recent tragic events in Parkland, Florida, a number of peaceful protests are being planned by high school students across the country. Elon University encourages civic engagement and also supports a safe academic environment for all students. Prospective students who are penalized by their schools for participating in peaceful protests will not be adversely impacted in their Elon application process."