A Michigan school district superintendent was voted out of office over a social media post placing some blame on George Floyd for his death in police custody.
Brian Metcalf said on Facebook that Floyd’s death was “wrong.” But, he added, “It all starts with being a law abiding citizen,” alluding to how Floyd was suspected of using counterfeit money.
The Grand Ledge School Board voted to fire Metcalf on Friday. He will be placed on paid leave until his dismissal is finalized, according to MLive. David Chapin, a former superintendent of East Lansing Public Schools, will serve as interim superintendent.
Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died on Memorial Day after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes despite his pleas for air.
Metcalf, who is white, apologized on Tuesday and offered to undergo diversity training. The school board indicated at the time they had no intention of firing him.
“There is no place for it among the leaders in Grand Ledge schools, who are expected to value diversity and inclusion,” the board said, according to the Associated Press. “However, we do not believe the statement reflects his capability to learn and grow from this matter. Superintendent Metcalf has apologized and informed the board that he will be taking sensitivity training.”
But that stance changed following a lengthy public comment period during a special board meeting.
Matt Newburg, a parent, criticized the initial decision.
“This guy is deciding to save himself by attending a class,” Newburg told the Lansing State Journal. “If he doesn’t understand in his position and at his age that it was extremely offensive, a class isn’t going to fix it.”
