A Washington state woman who once railed against police during a speech and seemed to be encouraging a riot has been appointed to a position on a city school board.
, board member candidates filling vacancies between elections go through a round of interviews with the school board rather than being voted in. During her swearing-in on Thursday, many welcomed her appointment while others expressed concern with her past comments.
Reed responded that it was everyone’s right to show up for public comment, just as it was her right"to oppose police brutality." "I am just excited about doing this job and being a part of this," she said."I am invested in this community. I am a part of this community, and I care about the city, especially the children, as you can learn so much from it." OSD told Fox News Digital it received a number of emails and calls"both in support of, and in disagreement with, the board's unanimous decision on October 13 to appoint Talauna Reed to the Olympia School Board.
OSD said Reed was chosen among other candidates based on the content of her answers throughout the interview process, as well as"her advocacy and experience working with underserved members of our community." "During the interview process she showed herself to be a committed and thoughtful advocate for the students of our school district," OSD said."We look forward to working with her to address pressing equity and inclusion issues in our school district. We believe she'll be an important voice and partner moving forward.