In response to the guilty verdict of the Derek Chauvin murder trial in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Chauvin was found guilty on April 20th for the May 2020 murder of George Floyd. Our Turn members released the following statement regarding the verdict...

“We commend the 12 jurors in Minneapolis, Minnesota who convicted former officer Derek Chauvin and awarded George Floyd’s family justice. George Floyd was unarmed and complying when Chauvin fatally held his knee on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds. For far too long, police in America have escaped harsh punishment for crimes committed against Black citizens. It is gratifying that justice has been served today. 

While this is a victory for many Americans, we recognize there is still work to be done to dismantle the oppressive systems that allow for these killings to occur in the first place. Just last week, Daunte Wright and Adam Toledo were killed at the hands of police, showing that police brutality remains prevalent in our communities. As youth organizers, we will use our voices in the fight for racial justice and against police brutality targeted at Black and Brown Americans. We will use our voices to elevate the ideas of Black organizers and take action when necessary. 

Just last summer, student leaders led a campaign to remove Minneapolis Police from public schools. Once MPS terminated their contract with MPD, students fought to repurpose funds from the police department towards Black and Brown students. The fight for justice in our schools and police departments is constant, ongoing, and a central focus of our energy. 

The verdict announced today is the first step to granting the family of George Floyd and the millions of Americans who endured the trauma of witnessing his death peace. The calls of organizers and protesters across the world have been heard, and Derek Chauvin will be held accountable for his gross, cruel misconduct. Holding police accountable is the first step towards securing true justice. 

Education is at the root of our shared fight for social justice, and our student leaders will not rest until all students are granted equity that carries over into all areas of our society.  At Our Turn, we pledge to continue advocating for our Student Agenda for Equity, working with Black and Brown communities to dismantle the systemic racism that has oppressed students for so long. As Our Turn op-ed contributor, Diarra Brooks wrote following the lack of conviction of the officers who murdered Breonna Taylor, ‘Liberation is possible, but if that is to occur we must stand for change. We must stand for Black lives.’ Diarra's call to action still rings true.” 

Yours in Resistance, 

Our Turn Members