SAUGUS — In his special report Monday, Superintendent of Schools Dr. David DeRuosi addressed recent protests against police brutality by calling for social justice action in Saugus Public Schools.

“Over the past several weeks, a great deal has already been said about the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minnesota police officer,” DeRuosi said in a video, which was broadcast on Saugus TV’s Vimeo page. “I believe there can be no debate about the killing of George Floyd. It was wrong, and those involved need to be held accountable.

“The protests and the unrest that followed brought to the attention of this nation a frustration regarding the level of social injustice facing people of color in our country. Social injustice is real, social injustice is wrong, and again, there is no debating that fact.”

DeRuosi also asked that individuals in the Saugus Schools community reflect inward during the weeks ahead and begin the difficult work of unpacking harmful belief systems regarding issues of social injustice.

“Groups of people need to approach this, again, not as a debate, but a true discussion in which all parties have a safe place to discuss what they are feeling with no judgment,” he said. “We must do what we do best as educators; begin the process of educating ourselves and our students to ensure moving forward that public education is the great equalizer for all students.

“We have work to do, and I’m committed to working with students, staff, and the community on this subject. We have a multiracial community that wants to call Saugus home. We have to make all efforts to hear those voices and create an environment where they feel comfortable.”

DeRuosi finished his statement by informing the school community that guidance and adjustment staff are available for students and parents, and he urged parents to reach out to their children’s educational administrators with any questions or concerns.

The superintendent’s entire message is available for viewing online on Saugus TV’s Vimeo page.