On June 26th, 2020, Pojoaque Valley High School’s head principal Terry Burks reposted a “meme” directed towards the recent talk around police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement. 

This post stated: “Have you ever noticed that the police leave you alone if you aren’t doing anything illegal” 

Not only is this post dismissing the flaws in a fundamentally unjust system, but is showing the ignorance of how People of Color (POC), specifically African Americans, are treated by the police. 

As an educator, especially one in a high position, this post sets an example of intolerance and pure ignorance towards the struggles that POCs face on a daily basis. By extension, this creates an uncomfortable environment at Pojoaque Valley High School for students of color. 

We ask that the School Board, along with the Superintendent, look into this issue & hold Terry Burks accountable for his words.