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Critics Call For Removal Of Grand Ledge Superintendent

Grand Ledge protest photo
Delaney Brickley
In Grand Ledge, protesters marched against Superintendent Brian Metcalf on Monday.

Calls are growing for the removal of the Grand Ledge School District’s superintendent. Critics say online remarks about the George Floyd case posted by Brian Metcalf amount to victim-shaming.

Superintendent Metcalf posted a message that was critical of George Floyd’s killing while in police custody in Minneapolis. Metcalf also denounced the rioting and looting that has occurred across the country. But his post also referred to Floyd having tried to use counterfeit money and resisting arrest.

On Monday, protesters in Grand Ledge called for Metcalf to resign or be fired by the school board.

Tamela Jones has two children who’ve gone through Grand Ledge schools, and a grandchild attends Delta Center Elementary. She says that while Metcalf has issued a letter of apology expressing a desire to learn from the incident, he's had a decade to better his community. "His letter that he put out indicated that he was apologetic, that he wanted to learn," says Jones. "The problem is, he’s had a decade to learn. He’s had a decade to make things right. He’s had a decade to better himself, to better the community, to better the environment for his students. I and many are not willing to stop our call to action until he is removed.”

Grand Ledge Schools have been criticized on social media by residents and former students who say they've observed racism in the district.

Jones says the Grand Ledge school board's next meeting will be on Monday, and there will be another protest calling for Metcalf's firing.

Metcalf has not yet responded to a request to comment.

I and many are not willing to stop our call to action until he is removed.”

Scott Pohl is a general assignment news reporter and produces news features and interviews. He is also an alternate local host on NPR's "Morning Edition."
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