By Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
During the June 11 meeting of the Botetourt County School Board, the death of 46-year-old George Floyd last month in Minneapolis, Minn. was addressed.
School Board Chair Michelle Crook read a joint statement from the five members of the board: “Our country is in the midst of national strife as we feel sadness and grief over the death of George Floyd. The events have weighed heavily on our hearts and our minds. Any form of hate of another fellow human being has no place in our schools or in our society. As leaders of the Botetourt County Public Schools, we must listen, learn, and remain diligent to make sure any inequalities or implicit bias does not exist. Our School Board values the diversity of our students, our educators, and our parents. We are united in our opposition of any type of hate. We are united in ensuring that our school division offers a nurturing environment for all learners.”
A moment of silence to remember Floyd and his family was held following the reading of the statement.
Floyd, an African American, died after a police officer placed his knee on his throat for over eight minutes. Since Floyd’s death, there have been sustained national protests related to racial justice.
