Cleveland Heights Institutions Comment On George Floyd's Death

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — On Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of protesters massed together outside Cleveland Heights City Hall. Frustrated by the death of George Floyd, the protesters demanded better policing and immediate change from city officials.

Protests over Floyd's death in Minneapolis have erupted throughout the nation. Floyd died while in police custody. Video of his death shows a police officer pressing his knee into Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes.

Floyd's death has prompted several Cleveland Heights institutions to issue statements about dismantling structural and systemic racism. Here's what some of those groups have said.

City Manager Tanisha Briley, Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg

"Having confidence in your police department is something we strive for through our outreach and actions. I hope you join us in commending our entire police department for their best practices and protection. We are committed to continue our current efforts and seek out the best approaches to ensure fairness and equity in our law enforcement policies, practices, and training."

Heights Schools Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby

"Recent events remind us of how important our own policies, practices and beliefs are in our schools and the wider community. I am extremely proud to serve a district that was the first in Cuyahoga County to adopt an equity policy. During my first year, I have learned a lot about the successes and opportunities for growth in our implementation of the policy. Teachers are seeking ways to practically apply the equity policy in their classrooms, parents are providing valuable feedback on the implementation of the equity policy, and Board members are holding me accountable for the goals of our equity policy."

Heights Libraries

"Heights Libraries grieves with you over the brutal, senseless deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many other Black Americans. We recognize that as a public institution, it is not enough to passively mourn these losses. We must be actively anti-racist and stand up to the anti-Black racism so pervasive in our society. We want to take this moment to recommit ourselves to service for all."

Dobama Theatre

"While we are unable to gather as a theatre community in this moment, we implore all citizens in our shared community to take action. Failure to act in moments such as these only upholds the systems that threaten the lives of our neighbors."

"It is up to each one of us — no matter our background — to confront and dismantle racism and injustice wherever they exist."