Viral video captures Stevenson Michigan High School students mocking George Floyd’s death

A group of Michigan high school students sparked outrage when they jumped in the direction of TikTok, as they created a brutal police video inspired by and apparently mocking the death of George Floyd.

“I can’t believe kids are doing this,” parent Jimmy Nassif told local media Fox 2 Detroit. “I think it’s absurd and totally unacceptable.”

According to Fox 2, the video was recorded during an off-campus breakfast in August of players from the Stevenson High School football team.

In the video, it was reposted to Instagram earlier this week by @metrodetroitnarcWhite ninth graders in soccer jerseys stand in a circle on an outdoor patio. They surround a black student who is kneeling on the ground. The black student wears all black clothes, except for a piece of cloth that acts as a blindfold over his eyes, and puts his hands behind his back as if he were arrested. The white students point the water pistols at him.

“I dare you to shoot him,” said one of the white students.

The white students shout with a sound like a gunshot and tell the black student to fall to the ground. One of the students even pushed him as a sign to fall.

“Shot him in the head,” said one of the students after the black child slammed into the ground.

Then, the circle of boys pretends to stomp and kick while laughing. One of his white classmates asks the black student to “go back to Africa.”

In a separate clip, white soccer players with water pistols approach a black teammate outside. (It is unclear if he is the same football player from the previous scenario.) They shout at him to “stop resisting” as they point their guns. Next, a white student finishes the fake arrest by engaging with the black child.

In the conclusion of the video, one of the group members mentioned George Floyd.

After the video circulated on social media, Stephenson High School Principal Kenneth L. Kochi III told parents that it was inspired by the direction of TikTok “based on the tragic death of George Floyd,” Detroit Metro Times mentioned.

The manager said, according to times. “Initial disciplinary action has been taken and the ongoing investigation will determine the final results.”

according to timesCucchi also said the school will use video to teach other students offensive social media content.

“In the event that a diverse group of students involved makes a bad decision—regardless of whether their stated intentions are not to intentionally harm or antagonize others—the school will use it to help students understand why it is so abusive and detrimental to the fabric of our society.”

This isn’t the first time Stephenson High School has dealt with accusations of discrimination.

Maya Honko, a young student whose brother plays on the soccer team, said the school is diverse but “not focused on cultural awareness,” Fox 2 reported.

Anthony Mahridge, a student at the school, started a program Online petition Over a year ago, Stevenson and the Utica school district called for responsibility for rampant “homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, and racism” in the community.

“I should not have the feeling of being judged in the halls every day. I am sure many other minorities in the school/area feel the same way I do,” Mahridge wrote in the petition, which received nearly 500 signatures.

In a statement, Utica Public Schools said the actions contained in the George Floyd-inspired video are not in line with its values.

“The images and the message in the video have no place in our society,” the statement read. “Although the event was off-campus, student behaviors are still expected to model our community values ​​and school code of conduct.”

The statement added that appropriate measures were taken and the directorate launched an investigation.

“Discussions will continue with coaches and relevant adults to ensure that there is appropriate oversight at sponsored or non-sponsored events that include sports teams, other students and staff,” the statement read. “Stevenson High School remains committed to creating a positive environment that respects all people and reflects the values ​​of our community.”



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