Whittier Tech Community Responds to Death of George Floyd

 Superintendent Maureen Lynch wishes to share how the Whittier Tech community is addressing the death of George Floyd and the ensuing nationwide protests.

“The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers is tremendously disturbing, and such violence is truly unacceptable,” Superintendent Lynch said. “We want our students to know that we deeply value diversity, acceptance and compassion, and these are values we have and will continue to promote in our community. Our students need to know we’re here for them, always, and especially during the unsettling and heartbreaking climate our country is navigating today.”

Whittier Tech’s Multicultural Club met this week to discuss the nationwide protests that have followed Floyd’s death, and shared their thoughts and quotes from inspirational figures including Nelson Mandela, a South African political leader, philanthropist and revolutionary. There are 12 students in the club.

“Put peace into your cause, not fear,” Susan Boakye, a sophomore member of the club from Haverhill, said.

Whittier’s Multicultural Club meets twice a week remotely since the school closed its facility due to COVID-19 in March, and the club’s two spring initiatives were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing guidelines.

However, the group created a slideshow video for the Whittier Tech community which they shared this spring on May 20. It showcases the cultural heritage of those who volunteered to participate in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Education’s April Linguistic and Cultural Heritage Month. 

The Multicultural Club at Whittier Tech is advised by Susannah DiMauro, an English language education teacher at the school.