Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Wednesday, May 21
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Politics»Civic Engagement»Eden Prairie schools to offer student support following Chauvin verdict
    Civic Engagement

    Eden Prairie schools to offer student support following Chauvin verdict

    Jim BayerBy Jim BayerApril 20, 2021Updated:April 27, 20213 Mins Read
    Eden Prairie Schools Superintendent Josh Swanson

    Eden Prairie schools plans to help its students process the verdict in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin, who was found guilty Tuesday, April 20 of all charges against him in the killing of George Floyd in May 2020.

    Recognizing that the event will prompt different reactions in students, Superintendent Josh Swanson in a statement posted on the district’s website Tuesday afternoon, said that schools will provide students with age-appropriate ways to process what has happened.

    “We do not presume to know how each person is feeling or what they may need at this time,” he said.

    The verdict came a day after hundreds of students at Eden Prairie High School and Central Middle School participated in an April 19 state-wide, student-organized event in solidarity against racial injustice.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy
    EPHS students at the April 19, 2021 walk-out in solidarity against racial injustice.

    The district supported the event by allowing students to leave class to participate in the event.

    Brett Johnson, the district’s senior director of communications and community relations, said about 400 students participated in the peaceful high school event. 

    “Student speakers were forthright and honest, and everyone listened intently to them. There was a moment of silence at 1:47 and then students returned to class,” he said.

    Several hundred students from Eden Prairie Central Middle School also participated in a walk-out, according to EP’s Black Student Union Instagram account (epbsu).

    Following is Swanson’s complete statement:

    Dear Eden Prairie Schools Parents/Guardians,

    The conclusion of the Derek Chauvin trial prompts a variety of reactions and emotions across our community, and especially for our Black students and families. This trial was a significant event that heightens everything our community has been through over the past year. We do not presume to know how each person is feeling or what they may need at this time.

    As our students arrive in school and in their classes, our staff are ready to meet them where they are. Our focus is always on supporting the whole child, and we are guided by our Core Values. Schools have plans in place to allow students to process this news in age-appropriate ways, while also staying connected to our educational mission. Our social workers and counselors will be available to respond to student and family needs — please reach out to your school as needed.

    We are a strong community because of our ability to come together and care for each other. As we move through the days and weeks ahead, we will continue to monitor student needs and support them socially, emotionally, and academically. -Josh Swanson, Ed.D., Superintendent

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleEden Prairie community members react to Derek Chauvin’s guilty verdict
    Next Article One MN Together activists react to Chauvin verdict

    More to READ

    4 Mins Read

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025
    2 Mins Read

    Campus Honor Roll

    May 17, 2025
    5 Mins Read

    Learning beyond walls: Forest Hills students thrive in outdoor spaces

    May 13, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Giant beaver is one signature away from becoming Minnesota’s state fossil

    May 21, 2025

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025

    Shakopee man charged in Eden Prairie sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

    May 21, 2025

    EPHS synchronized swim team advances to state meet

    May 20, 2025

    Minnesota legislative session ends, still with a long to-do list

    May 20, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.