FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – In the aftermath of racial unrest at Homestead High School, students at Northrop High School staged a protest during school hours Friday.

Students spilled into the hallways in the afternoon with shouts and chants of “Black Lives Matter” as some took a knee in protest of injustices in Fort Wayne Community Schools, multiple people who took part told WANE 15.

A message from Northrop’s principal was sent to parents, describing a peaceful gathering and conversations between students and administrators on constructive ways to address racial issues.

One person at the school told WANE 15 about half the school seemed to be involved, and that plans for the protest after the first 10 minutes of fifth-period class had been floating amongst the students Friday morning.

One student said teachers knew about the plans but that “things got out of hand.”

Part of the message from Northrop’s principal reads:

This afternoon, a group of students gathered peacefully inside the building for a short period of time. Most returned to their afternoon classes, but a small group continued to be vocal. We provided a safe space for them and kept other students in their classes for the remainder of the day to maintain a safe environment for all. We hope students and families recognize Northrop staff is here for support and to guide students through tough times with love and caring. We believe in students having a voice and working together to create change.

Another person at the school said officials announced that the bells for classes were being shut down and that all students would be kept in their sixth-period classrooms. A group tried to stay out and ran around the hallways in an attempt to evade administration officials, one student said.

Bathrooms were also locked, another person inside said.

Some water bottles were thrown and some of the students were on each other’s shoulders, but no violence seemed to have occurred.

School was dismissed at about 4 p.m. and students left the building calmly, with no yelling or fighting.

The email from Northrop’s principal also referenced an “equity audit,” which is a survey that had apparently been sent to students, staff and families.

FWCS later confirmed that the equity audit had been conducted and allowed those parties to share their experiences in the school system and “ensure their voices are heard.”