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Pittsburgh students honor Trayvon Martin, walk out of class on 'Hoodie Day'

PITTSBURGH — Students at some Pittsburgh area schools walked out of class during “Hoodie Day” on Friday, showing support for Trayvon Martin, who was wearing a hooded sweatshirt when he was shot while walking in Sanford, Fla.

Normally hooded sweatshirts are a violation of school dress code, but officials made an exception for the rally.

The plan was met by mixed reactions from parents.

“It’s a good thing because it shows support, and it should teach them to be cautious,” Courtney Clark said.

The schools that participated in the rally are Pittsburgh Brashear High School, Pittsburgh CAPA, Carrick High School, Pittsburgh Colfax elementary, Pittsburgh King elementary, Pittsburgh Millones and Pittsburgh Stevens elementary.

After leaving their classrooms, several students gathered for a rally at a church in Pittsburgh's Elliot neighborhood.

"We're wearing these hoodies today because we want people to know that Trayvon matters,” said Stephanie Gottschalk, a pastor at Emanuel United Methodist Church. “We want people to know that Elliot matters and Pittsburgh matters, and that each and every person's life matters."

Martin was killed by crime watch volunteer George Zimmerman, who said he shot Martin in self-defense after he was attacked by the teen.

No charges have been filed.