At least one medical-related association issued a statement in support of the today's walkouts and other demonstrations by thousands of students in support of gun control. An association of school principals, meanwhile, has been focused on advising members how to respond.

"The (American Academy of Nursing) supports peaceful protests by students on this important public health issue," a spokesman said in an email responding to a CEO Update inquiry. "Our 2,500 fellows are located in every state, and we hope student voices will be heard by lawmakers in every state capital."

The National Association of Secondary School Principals issued guidance to members in late February in anticipation of today's National School Walkout, as organizers call it.

The association said the safety of students is the top priority, but noted that a walkout is a violation of school rules and that principals should be clear what constitutes a walkout (whether it is leaving the school building or the grounds.

NASSP also said educators should be attentive to students who disagree with the protesters and stay in class, and should not participate in or endorse the protests.

"Students should not be disciplined for engaging in the act of protest," NASSP said in a February 23 statement. "But make it clear to students that a walkout protest is an act of civil disobedience and, by definition, a violation of rules. Those infractions will be handled in the standard manner, typically as unexcused absence."

However, some schools allowed students to join the demonstrations. Thousands of students flocked to Washington, D.C., this morning in one such protest.

AAN, along with the American Psychological Association, has encouraged members to participate in the March 24 March for Our Lives protest in Washington, also organized by students.

The organization also was among more than 90 nursing associations and institutions to sign a February 27 letter in response to the mass shooting at a school in Parkland, Fla., urging Congress to allow federal funding for the study of gun violence.

MORE CEO DATELINE

• SHRM CEO vows to raise advocacy profile
• Textile associations to merge
• Digital currency companies form association
• Associations blast Trump tariff decision
• American Psychological Association to participate in gun control march