Woodbury for Justice and Equality (W4J&E) – formed in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd – called the alleged actions of a substitute teacher at Woodbury High School “despicable.” Students in English classes accused the teacher of reenacting the police restraint that killed Floyd as well as performing other racially harming actions.

The students reported the teacher’s behavior to administrators. “When something doesn’t seem right, speak up. We all can emulate the students that experienced this ordeal,” Walter Dobgima, W4J&E president, said. “We are proud of the students who rose above fear and did what was right.”

In an email to Woodbury News Net, Dobgima stated, “We understand that racial harm occurred, and we want to express our deep sympathy to the students that experienced this traumatic event. We appreciate the school administration’s prompt response to address this incident and their ongoing efforts to provide a safe and inclusive environment to the students.”

South Washington County Schools has banned the individual from ever setting foot on district property again. W4J&E requested that the district continue to share regular updates on the investigation into the incident being conducted by the Woodbury Police Department. “We would also like to see ongoing support including but not limited to regular check-ins with affected students, counseling services and community forums if need be.”

The statement said the incident brought back memories that affected the community at large. Floyd’s murder in 2020 sparked protests and marches across the Twin Cities and around the world. Dobgima said he knew it was a moment to speak out against racism, which led him to create W4J&E. He launched the group on Nextdoor because he wanted his neighbors to support W4J&E and join the fight to change the status quo and promote equality. The group’s website can be found here.

Members of W4J&E also sent a letter to school district leaders. “While we remain extremely disturbed by what occurred, we want to express our support and appreciation for the district’s swift, decisive action, and transparency,” the letter states. “Your transparency empowers thousands of families throughout the district, and around the Twin Cities, to talk about the impact of this incident and racial harm more broadly.”

W4J&E called on the district to use its “powerful position in our community to educate others, prevent future incidents of racial harm, and promote justice and equality for all.”