CAMILLUS, NY — Some students at West Genesee High School plan to rally Friday to express their outrage at a fellow student’s social media posts depicting what’s called the “George Floyd challenge.”
The posts included a photo where a West Genesee student can be seen kneeling on another person’s neck invoking George Floyd’s murder, said West Genesee Superintendent David Bills.
The stunt typically involves people reenacting on social media the death of Floyd, who was killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in May. Chauvin was found guilty on all charges earlier this week. Floyd’s death sparked nationwide protests and calls for police reform.
A second posted photo appears to be someone other than a West Genesee student reenacting the killing, Bills said.
The photo of the West Genesee student appeared to be taken at an earlier time, Bills said, but had been posted Wednesday, the day after the Chauvin verdict.
Bianca Teixeira, a West Genesee junior, said she was helping other students organize the rally to make a statement that “this is not what West Genesee is about.”
She said the students are making a combined statement they want any students “who are making racist comments held accountable,’' she said.
“We are very upset by this,’' she said. “We want people to take it seriously.”
Teixeria said the photos were shared on Snapchat.
Bills said the administration is aware of the students’ planned statement, and proud that they are taking a stand.
The posts are “deplorable, vile and unacceptable,’' Bills said.
He said he understands why students are so upset.
Bills said the district knows the student’s identity, and said the student will be disciplined. He declined to give details as the investigation continues.
“Honestly, it’s vulgar,’' he said of the post.
Similar “George Floyd Challenge’' social media posts began last summer around the country. West Genesee first encountered posts like this in the district in February. The students involved in the February incident were disciplined, Bills said.
Students need to understand how hurtful acts like this can be, and that posts like this have a lasting impact, Bills said.
West Genesee has a racial problem, but it’s not exclusive to his school district, he said.
“We all have a lot of work to do,’' he said. “We need to make more opportunities for learning and acceptance.”
Elizabeth Doran covers education, suburban government and development, breaking news and more. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact her anytime at 315-470-3012 or email edoran@syracuse.com
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April 23, 2021 at 05:48AM
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West Genesee students to protest ‘vulgar’ ‘George Floyd challenge’ social media post - syracuse.com
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