The principal of Mead High School has resigned a few weeks after three students at the school posted photos of themselves to social media reenacting the death of George Floyd — with one of the students wearing blackface.
On Monday (June 7), the St. Vrain Valley School District superintendent informed Mead High parents in a letter that Principal Rachael Ayers had rendered her resignation after working over a decade at the school. “I want to thank her for her lengthy service to the Mead High community for the past 12 years as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, and I wish Mrs. Ayers the very best in her future endeavors,” Superintendent Don Haddad, Ed.D. wrote in the letter, according to the Insider.
More than three weeks ago, the photo circulated on social media of the students reenacting Floyd’s death. In the image, the student who wore blackface laid on the ground while the other two classmates knelt on their neck and back.
After the photo surfaced, Ayers sent a letter to the families of the school saying that it “did not reflect our school’s high standards of respect, character, and inclusivity.” Back in May, the St. Vrain Valley School District said that they were investigating the photo, but it is unclear whether or not the students were disciplined. The next day, students of the school organized a protest demanding the racism at the institution be stopped.
According to Haddad, Dr. Brian Young will become the next principal for the school.
“As we welcome Dr. Young into the Maverick community, he will begin hosting student and community meetings to discuss advancing student success and achievement with a focus on a safe and inclusive school environment and culture for every student, teacher, staff and community member,” Haddad wrote in a letter to parents. “Please expect more information from Dr. Young regarding these upcoming meetings and other important information by the end of this month.”