Heights Superintendent Comments On George Floyd's Death

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — In an open letter to the Cleveland Heights and University Heights communities, Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby addressed the recent deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery.

"Unfortunately, while we have had to combat COVID-19, our country is still combating the ugly legacy of racism and discrimination. The recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd are disturbing reminders of this legacy. My heart goes out to their families for this senseless loss," Kirby said.

Arbery, 25, who was unarmed, was jogging through his Satilla Shores neighborhood in Brunswick around 1 p.m. on Feb. 23 when he was chased down and killed by two white men, his family said.

Floyd was killed when a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck during an arrest. In video of the incident, Floyd can be heard saying, "I can't breathe." Bystanders begged the officer to take his knee off Floyd's neck. Floyd's death set off protests and riots in Minneapolis.

Kirby said she is concerned about the consequences these deaths will have on Heights students.

"I am also extremely concerned about the impact these incidents have on our students who are trying to make sense of a world where these tragedies continue to happen even in a global pandemic," she said. The superintendent said she believes everyone should take this time to remember how interconnected we are and how much kindness matters.

This time, she said, should also reinforce the efforts of the school district to ensure equitable education.

"Recent events remind us of how important our own policies, practices and beliefs are in our schools and the wider community," Kirby said.

She touted the Heights Schools being the first district in Cuyahoga County to adopt an equity policy. She said teachers are finding ways to implement the policy within classrooms and staffers and board members are holding Kirby to accountability on the policy.

"This level of stakeholder engagement is unique, inspiring, and gives me hope for the future of the Cleveland Heights - University Heights district as we strive to become a national model for educational equity. We have a lot of work to do, but the commitment is strong," Kirby said.

Kirby's full letter to the community has been shared on the district's website.