On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. For approximately nine minutes, the police officer's knee obstructed Floyd from breathing. He repeated, "I can't breathe." Those were his last words. 

He was not killed for being a serial killer. He was not murdered for being a drug dealer. 

No. This innocent man was killed over a $20 "forgery" bill that turned out to be real. 

This racial injustice did not start on May 25th. This goes further back to the beginning of our country. Our country was founded on unjust racial prejudices against People of Color, especially African Americans. For hundreds of years, Black people have been oppressed. Enough is enough. 

Within the past few days, our country has been engulfed in protests and riots against police brutality, fighting for the Black Lives Matter Movement. People all over the country are using their First Amendment right to speak up. Social media is raged with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter, raising awareness, action, and petitions.

Now, we are asking all school board members and administrators to use their power and speak up for what’s right. Whether it is providing resources and petitions for students, or even showing your support for the Black Lives Matter movement, you have the power and influence to speak up.

Schools are able to reach more than just the students and staff members; they have the ability to move communities. The change starts when members of the community speak up.

Every school has a population of African Americans who deserve equal rights. We must band together and show our support. Now is not the time to be silent. Silence does not fix the injustice. 

This is not a political matter anymore.

This is a human rights issue.

#SpeakUpSchools