Wisconsin police officer Steve Williams is on leave from a Minnesota High School after allegedly reenacting George Floyd’s murder.
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Details On Substitute Teacher’s Ban Following George Floyd Murder Reenactment
On October 14, Wisconsin police officer Steve Williams substituted as n English teacher at Woodbury High School in Minnesota. A photo obtained by CNN shows him “performing a prone restraint on a student during the fourth-period class.” Shawn Hogendorf, communications director for South Washington County Schools, told CNN that Williams used a student to reenact George Floyd’s murder.
PEOPLE reports that principal Sarah Sorenson-Wagner detailed the substitute’s alleged actions in a letter, which reveals the incident occurred in two English classes. Steve Williams also faces accusations of twisting a student’s arm, making racially harmful comments, and telling sexist jokes. As a result, Williams has been banned from school district property.
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The letter claims Williams told students, “cops would be the best criminals,” and allegedly insisted police aren’t real. After sharing the letter, Principal Sarah Sorenson-Wagner expressed her shame over what happened in front of the students.
“I am embarrassed, and I am sorry this happened to our students We will take as much time as students need to listen and create open space for courageous conversations that lead to healing, action and education. Principal Sorenson-Wagner said in the letter.
According to CNN, the Woodbury Police Department is investigating the incident, and Steve Williams can no longer enter any school district property.
George Floyd’s Death Ignites Racial Awakening
TSR previously reported that George Floyd died during his arrest by Officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes. The encounter began after Floyd allegedly tried to use a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store. Floyd repeatedly told Chauvin he couldn’t breathe with his face pressed against the concrete, but Chauvin ignored him. The distressing moment went viral, sparking global outrage and fueling a movement against police brutality.
In 2021, a jury convicted Derek Chauvin of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, leading to his 22.5-year prison sentence. The other officers present at the scene, including Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng, also faced convictions. Recently, in August, Thomas Lane became the first involved officer to be released after serving time.
