Washtenaw Superintendents’ Association Issues Statement on the Outcome of the Derek Chauvin Trial

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This statement was issued on April 22, 2021 by the Washtenaw Superintendents’ Association:

Washtenaw County, Mich. - Following the verdict of the Derek Chauvin trial, the Washtenaw Superintendents’ Association is sharing the following message with our school community. WSA represents the superintendents of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District and the nine public school districts in Washtenaw County: Ann Arbor Public Schools, Chelsea School District, Dexter Community Schools, Lincoln Consolidated Schools, Manchester Community Schools, Milan Area Schools, Saline Area Schools, Whitmore Lake Public Schools and Ypsilanti Community Schools. Their statement reads:

“On Tuesday evening, the jury reached a verdict in the George Floyd murder trial, finding Derek Chauvin guilty. For the Floyd family, nothing will bring back George, but we hope that accountability gives them some sense of peace and closure, as everyone deserves.

Our work to create a more racially equitable future continues. Communities of color continue to hurt, and while this is one instance of justice, it is far too elusive for too many who still feel the pressures of injustice. As National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman said, “A reminder that victory would be George Floyd being alive. Every day Black Americans worry if they will be next is another day without justice.” While we know many dedicated officers would never commit such heinous acts, we recognize that the systems we currently have in place do not always live up to their ideals and that without change, the Derek Chauvins of the world will continue to do harm. We are grateful for local efforts by the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments to work with community members and address the design of socially just policies, practices and professional learning within their systems.

We believe we are each accountable for making our world a better place, and each of our systems have work to do to be more equitable, inclusive, and socially just – including education. As education leaders, we hold ourselves accountable to transforming a public school system where every child feels like they and their family belong and where they can learn and flourish. We ask that our communities join us in remaining committed to a more equitable and just future.”

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