Two students from Monroe High School could face disciplinary action after posting a video depicting the death of George Floyd on social media.
Officials at the school were made aware of the video's existence Thursday and began investigating. The original video is no longer available, but images of the recording have been circulating on social media.
In a statement, the school says it cannot disclose what disciplinary actions are being taken and that it is committed to "fostering an inclusive educational environment where each person, student and staff feel a sense of belonging and are treated with dignity regardless of skin color, gender, sexual identity or orientation, religion, ability or disability."
George Floyd was killed by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin after Chauvin pressed his knee on Floyd's neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds as Floyd lay facedown, hands cuffed behind his back. Chauvin was found guilty of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter Tuesday. Sentencing is expected in eight weeks.
Floyd's death on Memorial Day 2020 sparked protests in Minneapolis and across the United States, including in Greater Cincinnati. It prompted calls for police reform and soul-searching on issues of racial injustice.
You can read the full statement from the school district below:
"On April 22, 2021, administrators became aware that two Monroe High School students posted an inappropriate video on social media reenacting George Floyd’s death. When high school administrators became aware of the video, an investigation began immediately. The original video has been taken down, but images from the video are still circulating on social media.
Although we cannot disclose what disciplinary actions are being taken, please know we will not tolerate these inappropriate behaviors and actions in our schools. One of our core beliefs as a district is that caring relationships must be anchored in honesty, empathy, and respect. We commit to fostering an inclusive educational environment where each person, student, and staff, feel a sense of belonging and are treated with dignity regardless of skin color, gender, sexual identity or orientation, religion, ability, or disability.
The trial and verdict in the death of George Floyd have created a variety of emotions–anxiety, fear, and anger. As educators, it is our responsibility to support and empower students through these challenging times. We are here to listen, challenge their thinking, and give them the tools they need to thrive in a diverse world and make it a better place."
