Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School Statement on 

Justice for George Floyd in support of Black Lives Matter

Orthopaedic Medical Magnet High School Faculty and Staff would like to take a moment to reflect on the tragic death of George Floyd. Floyd, 46, died Monday in Minneapolis. He spent his final moments pleading for his life as an officer held him down, pinning him to the ground with his knee. His last words were “I can’t breathe.” Floyd’s pleas were ignored. His eyes shut, the pleading stops, and he was pronounced dead shortly after.

The faculty and staff condemns the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Once again, police brutality has taken the life of one of our Black men, shaking the nation with grief and outrage. We are saddened by this loss, and deeply disturbed by the persistent racism and aggression among some of those who are charged to protect us and keep us safe. We cannot tolerate these injustices.

These tragic events must serve as a reminder that we still have much work to do in creating more inclusive environments – for our students, our community, our nation and our world. As a school, we have a responsibility to make sure we are doing our part to foster empathy and kindness. 

Our classrooms (and online spaces) serve as a gathering place for much more than education – they help us all recognize, understand and appreciate our differences. We continue our commitment to help our students learn about our country’s long and continuing struggle to live our ideals of liberty and justice for all.

George Floyd is no longer with us, but his death has left us with a clear affirmation that bears reaffirming today – Orthopaedic High School continues our daily work to be a Safe and Welcoming Place. We believe deeply in ensuring students are healthy, supported, engaged, challenged, safe, and socially and emotionally intelligent. Our district has put policies and practices into place to make sure that everyone in the LAUSD community has the opportunity to learn and work in an environment where they are treated with dignity and respect, free from bullying or harassment. LAUSD does not discriminate on the basis of color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, religion, national origin, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status or disability. We know we have work to do to ensure we reach our aspirations for our African American and Black students. 

To all our African American students and staff: you matter. Black Lives Matter. We see you, and we support you.

We are Orthopaedic, and we stand together.

Signed: 

Two Dozen LA County Libraries To Reopen With Curbside Pickup!