Yesterday, St. Vrain Valley School District officials and Mead High School Principal, Rachael Ayers, were made aware of a social media post recreating the death of George Floyd. The post included a photo was taken on the school grounds of Mead High School.
Three students from Mead High school are depicted in the photo recreating the scene of officers holding George Floyd to the ground. One student, who appears to have a black face, is shown lying face down on the ground while another student presses a knee in the first student’s back.
The post appeared nearly a year after George Floyd died while officers held him down in Minneapolis. The officer has since been convicted of murder.
On Wednesday, Ayers emailed a statement to Mead High School parents, “ we were made aware of a highly-offensive photo taken on school grounds and posted to social media that did not reflect our school’s high standards of respect, character, and inclusivity. We take this type of conduct very seriously and have begun an investigation into the matter.”
SVVSD officials were unable to provide further details into the investigation due to FERPA, or Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
“We in the St. Vrain Valley Schools strongly condemn, and have no tolerance for, racism in any form and will be addressing this extremely serious matter immediately and accordingly. Our district reaffirms its commitment to diversity and equality in our schools and in our operations,” said Superintendent Don Haddad in a statement this morning.
Haddad called the social media post “disturbing and disgusting” and pledged his commitment to taking the actions necessary on the issue.
“We remain deeply committed to advancing the success of our students, and I want to reinforce my unwavering commitment to continue taking the necessary actions as the Superintendent of St. Vrain Valley Schools to ensure the human rights, respect, and safety of each and every person,” Haddad said.
Recognizing the deep and lasting impacts racism can have on the community, SVVSD and Mead High School are offering support to individuals who may need to process their feelings with the support of a counselor.
“I know that this behavior does not represent our strong Maverick community, and I want to acknowledge the supportive school culture our students, faculty, and staff have cultivated through a challenging time,” Ayers said in an email to parents.
“There are many important issues facing our society today, however, our highest priority will always be the physical and emotional well-being, respect, and safety of every student, teacher, staff member, and community member in St. Vrain,” Haddad said in his statement.
