A Virginia school district is investigating a social media post in which supporters of a high school football team used a photo of Minneapolis ex-cop Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd’s neck to celebrate a victory, CBS News reports.
The photo shows Chauvin’s face covered by the logo of the Cave Spring High School football team, while the team logo of Hidden Valley High School covers Floyd’s face. The photo was shared by a Cave Spring football player and brought to the attention of administrators when community members started to report the post.
Roanoke County Public Schools Superintendent Ken Nicely said in a statement: “The abhorrent, disturbing images posted by individuals do not reflect the values of Cave Spring High School or Roanoke County Public Schools. We strive to provide positive, welcoming communities that value respect for all students and families.”
“Educating all students about respect and creating positive, inclusive learning environments is at the center of our Positive Behavior Interventions and Support program which we are in the final stages of rolling out in all of our schools,” he continued. “Education is a process, but we will hold individuals accountable for their actions”
Chuck Lionberger, a spokesman for the district, told the Roanoke Times that other photos celebrating the team’s win that were posted on social media were “not related to George Floyd,” but were “equally as deplorable.”
Lionberger said appropriate actions will be taken once the investigation is completed.
Roanoke County Public Schools is a majority-white school division. About 80% of Cave Spring students and 76% of Hidden Valley’s are white, the Times noted.
