Las Cruces Public Schools statement

Dear LCPS Community, 

We send our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. George Floyd. His life should not have been taken under the knee of one who took the oath to serve and protect. While we work together to ease ourselves out of the grip of a pandemic, the brutality upon Mr. Floyd -- caught on video for the world to witness -- also requires us to respond to another illness: systemic racism. As a public institution, we stand in solidarity with the masses of peaceful protesters, in Las Cruces and across our country, to demand justice and social change. For the countless number of victims like Mr. Floyd who have endured violence rooted in bigotry and who have lost their lives, their freedom, and/or their sense of peace, we have a responsibility to our students and community to redress this trauma. 

As outlined in our districts mission statement, we will continue our efforts to “provide an equitable student-centered learning environment that cultivates civic engagement, promotes excellence, and celebrates diversity.” Now more than ever, we will continue to strive to ensure that all our students have access to a student-centered learning environment where ALL students are treated with dignity and respect. 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." The tragedy of Mr. Floyd matters. It matters because it is our obligation to combat hatred, racism, and discrimination. We encourage all of you as community members to peacefully amplify your voices during this time and seek the changes in our society that we want for our children and future generations. 

- Las Cruces Public Schools