Norman Public Schools Investigating ‘Disturbing’ Image Of HS Logos Placed Over George Floyd, Derek Chauvin

Norman Public Schools administration is investigating an image circulating social media that shows the logos of the district’s two high schools over the bodies of Derek Chauvin and George Floyd. 

The district became aware of the image on Tuesday, according to a message sent to families by Dr. Kim Garrett, Norman North High School principal. She called the image “disturbing, and said it is regarding Thursday’s rivalry football game against NNHS and Norman High School, which is called the Crosstown Clash. 

“The insensitive nature of the post and the underlying message are completely inappropriate and unacceptable,” Garrett wrote. “School administration is investigating this matter and will handle the situation in accordance with district policy.” 

The image shows the logo of Norman North High School edited onto the face of Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on the body of George Floyd, whose face is covered with the logo of Norman High School. Earlier this year, Chauvin was convicted of murdering Floyd in a high-profile trial that garnered national attention.

Norman Public Schools referred to Garrett’s statement when News 9 requested comment. 

One former NPS parent said he left the district because of unaddressed racial incidents. 

Larry McDonald said his son, who is Black, was a freshman at Norman High School until they unenrolled in January to move to Moore Public Schools. 

“There was an instance on the football team where a racial statement was made to my son and there was nothing done about it, although it was reported,” McDonald said. 

The incident that inspired McDonald to leave NPS took place outside of the locker room, McDonald said. His son, a member of the varsity football team, was walking in when another teammate confronted him. 

“He looked at my son and told my son ‘You can’t go into the locker room before me cause you’re Black,’” said McDonald.

He said that he was on campus when it happened and immediately reported it to staff. 

“When I found out that nothing was done and there was no repercussions, I felt like the best thing to do was to pull my son because I feel like they’re not protecting him.” 

When he saw the image on social media, McDonald said the competition between the two Norman high schools has evolved into something more. 

“The game is supposed to be a big friendly rivalry, and they’re turning it into something it doesn’t have to be,” McDonald said.