BUSD: Today's Guilty Verdict In The Trial Of Derek Chauvin

Press release from Berkeley Public Schools:

April 20, 2021

Dear BUSD Community,

Today, a jury in Minneapolis found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on two charges of murder and one charge of manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.

Although this verdict demonstrates that police accountability is possible under our legal system, we must acknowledge that the death of George Floyd also demonstrates that systemic racism persists in this country, where unarmed Black citizens are at risk at the hands of the police. If justice were truly served, George Floyd should be alive today.

Our hearts are with the family of Mr. Floyd as well as with all those who have been traumatized by his murder, especially Black BUSD community members. We recognize the trauma experienced by so many People of Color in our community and across this country, and see this verdict as only one small step on the longer path towards justice and equality. We must continue to speak out and work towards a more just and compassionate society.

Brent Stephens
Superintendent

Counseling Resources for BUSD Students
The District has counseling available for students as they experience a range of emotions after learning of today’s verdict and as they experience the ongoing impacts of systemic racism in their lives.

Elementary school parents and guardians can contact their student’s teacher to learn how to access counseling resources. Middle schools have counselors available to assist students as they work through their feelings in the wake of today’s news. High school students can self refer for mental health services by filling out this form. Alternatively, they can call 510-644-6965 to seek support.

Educational Resources
Please visit acoe.org/justice for a list of high-quality resources to support educators and caregivers in having critical discussions with children and youth.

This press release was produced by Berkeley Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.