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'DISGUSTING'

Student in blackface and two friends recreate George Floyd murder by posing with knee on neck before posting to Snapchat

A STUDENT in blackface and two pals have shockingly mocked George Floyd’s appalling murder.

Disgusting pics shared via Snapchat show the trio recreating his arrest by posing with a knee on one pupil’s neck - copying killer cop ’s deadly action.

Mead High School pupils re-enacted George Floyd's brutal death
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Mead High School pupils re-enacted George Floyd's brutal deathCredit: Snapchat
Chauvin inflicted gratuitous pain and caused psychological distress to Floyd and to bystanders, say prosecutors
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Chauvin inflicted gratuitous pain and caused psychological distress to Floyd and to bystanders, say prosecutorsCredit: AFP

The upsetting image features a boy with blackface lying face-down on the concrete.

His hands are being clutched behind his back by two other pupils - both of whom are wearing hoodies.

One has his knee placed on the boy's neck, while the other has a knee on his back, to also restrain him.

A group of kids appears to be standing nearby, watching the sickening show.

They appear to be re-enacting the moment that Derek Chauvin was filmed pressing his knee against ’s neck for nine-and-a-half minutes, as the black man said he couldn’t breathe and went motionless.

Chauvin, a , was convicted in April of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

The St. Vrain Valley School District superintendent confirmed on Thursday that a social media post re-enacting was made by a group of students from Mead High School in .

Pupils staged a demo against Mead High School's stance on racism
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Pupils staged a demo against Mead High School's stance on racismCredit: CBS Denver
Dozens spoke out to show their anger over the re-enactment of George Floyd's death
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Dozens spoke out to show their anger over the re-enactment of George Floyd's deathCredit: CBS Denver
School bosses have said the incident is being investigated
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School bosses have said the incident is being investigatedCredit: CBS Denver

Students there told the mocking of Floyd's death was just one of many involving racism at the farm town school.

The broadcaster reported that dozens of pupils on Friday protested outside the school against alleged racism.

An online petition was also launched on , "bringing the racial profiling discrimination that occurs at MHS to notice".

Started by Ana Carrillo, it has already been signed by about 8,000 people.

Carrillo wrote: "We as a generation know that racial profiling and racism of any kind is not acceptable, and has been happening at Mead High is truly disappointing as the principle doesn’t bring it to attention as she should.

"It’s unbelievable that there are still people acting so immature towards racism.

"Everyone in our school represents Mead as who we are.

"Having such students re-create a humiliating death is disgusting, they have dishonored themselves and the name in our school.

"These kids need to be held accountable for their actions.

"Mead High is represented by our students - the same students who just showed the worst in humanity - our school is divided, we must grow from this and especially learn.

"If you believe in growing as a community to create change please sign this petition."

A terrified George Floyd, who later died in police custody, speaks with former Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) officer Thomas Lane during his detention
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A terrified George Floyd, who later died in police custody, speaks with former Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) officer Thomas Lane during his detentionCredit: AP
The moment that Derek Chauvin is led in handcuffs from court after being found guilty
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The moment that Derek Chauvin is led in handcuffs from court after being found guiltyCredit: via REUTERS

On May 22 Carrillo added in an update: "Hi all, I made this petition to bring the occurring issue to notice. This issue being racial profiling discrimination.

"The change we need is hard to achieve, but step by step it’ll get easier.

"This issue affects our community as a whole, this issue will never stop, just as we won’t. If enough of us sign we can’t be ignored!"

Antonio Amaya-Sidoti replied: "White supremacy at its finest; this absolutely represents Mead High School. This must be changed, especially if there was no consequences."

Another person commented on the petition: "We cannot tolerate racism to the slightest degree."

The St. Vrain Valley School District told CBS that it was investigating the photo.

The ex-cop was found guilty of three counts
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The ex-cop was found guilty of three countsCredit: Reuters

But school bosses said they would not share what - if any - disciplinary action the students might face, as the pic was snapped on school grounds.

“It was brought to my attention that a disturbing and disgusting social media post depicting the re-enactment of the murder of George Floyd was made by a group of students from Mead High School,” superintendent Don Haddad posted on the district’s website.

He added: “We in the St. Vrain Valley Schools strongly condemn, and have no tolerance for, racism in any form and will be addressing this extremely serious matter immediately and accordingly.

"Our district reaffirms its commitment to diversity and equality in our schools and in our operations.

“We remain deeply committed to advancing the success of our students, and I want to reinforce my unwavering commitment to continue taking the necessary actions as the Superintendent of St. Vrain Valley Schools to ensure the human rights, respect, and safety of each and every person."

Chauvin treated Floyd with particular cruelty, say prosecutors
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Chauvin treated Floyd with particular cruelty, say prosecutorsCredit: AP
George Floyd died after he was arrested by Minneapolis police
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George Floyd died after he was arrested by Minneapolis police

Principal Rachael Ayers said in a message sent to parents: “We take this type of conduct very seriously and have begun an investigation into the matter."

The re-enactment comes days before the first anniversary of the killing of the 46-year-old dad, who spent most of his life in his hometown of Houston, Texas.

George Floyd supporters around the world have been protesting against police brutality following his death last May.

His death sparked Black Lives Matter protests after a video went viral on May 25, 2020, showing police officer kneeling on his neck and back as he pleaded for his life.

Prosecutors are asking a judge to give Chauvin a more severe penalty than state guidelines call for when he is sentenced in June for Floyd’s death.

Read More on The Sun

They argued in court documents filed in early May that Floyd was particularly vulnerable and that Chauvin abused his authority as a police officer.

But, even with the aggravating factors, legal experts have said, Chauvin, 45, is when he is sentenced on June 25.

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