Somerville Officials Respond To Conviction Of Derek Chauvin

SOMERVILLE, MA – Somerville public officials have released a statement following the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd on Memorial Day 2020.

In a joint statement, Mayor Joseph Curtatone, City Council President Matthew McLaughlin, School Committee Chair Andre Green and Superintendent of Schools Mary Skipper said accountability is the first step toward justice, but justice requires transformation.

"Our hope is when we look back at this moment in history, that this verdict will clearly mark a turning point toward broader accountability and progress in addressing systemic racism and its deadly consequences within law enforcement –as well as systemic racism in our society as a whole," the officials said in the statement.

In the statement, Somerville's officials recognize the "collective trauma" Floyd's death and subsequent police shootings have had on Somerville's youth and people of color.

"Our schools are prepared to support students and staff as they return from April break next week in processing the outcome of this trial and its potential implications in our continuing fight for racial justice," officials said.

Officials said they plan to prioritize efforts to address systemic racism and work together to build a community that values all members.