Karns City Area School District administrators have met with high school students and contacted parents in an effort to avoid a student walkout planned for Thursday to protest the expulsion of a student over an alleged fight.

Social media posts from students said a walkout is being planned for noon to protest the expulsion of a senior following a recent fight at the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School in Butler Township. Township police said the fight took place April 9 and remains under investigation.

The student, who was suspended for 10 days and then expelled, will not be allowed to attend commencement or the prom, according to the posts.

“Unfortunately, several Karns City students were involved in a serious incident at the Butler County Area Vocational Technical School. This was not an incident of boys-being-boys, but an inexcusable violation of both schools' discipline policies that resulted in physical injury to another student. The severity of the conduct warranted the consequences issued by the board. The incident is under investigation by the Butler Township Police, and the school district will continue to work with the police and the vo-tech to address this incident fully,” said David Ritzert, Karns City superintendent.

Vo-tech Executive Director Regina Hiler said the school is working with township police.

Hiler and Ritzert said they couldn't provide further details about the incident to protect student privacy.

Karns City is working with police and the vo-tech to fully address the incident, Ritzert said.

He said the district became aware of the call for a walkout Tuesday, and Principal Mike Stimac met with students and sent a message to parents Wednesday.

“It has come to the administration's attention that high school students may be planning a walkout on Thursday at noon as a result of a recent discipline issue. We are reaching out to parents to make you aware because a walkout poses a potential safety risk for students, particularly if students leave school grounds while school is still in session. A walkout is a forum through which students attempt to express their concerns; however, there are safer means through which to do this. For example, students may schedule a meeting with the principal to express their concerns. We will be happy to meet with them,” the letter said.