Olympia school board swears in new director who encouraged 2021 protestors to riot

The Olympia, Washington school board swore in a new director this week and within days video footage of her participating in 2021 protests against police brutality, shouting “f–k the police.”

Talauna Reed was sworn in on Thursday at the board’s scheduled meeting. Reed was selected to fill the position left open when former District 2 board director Justin McKaughan resigned in  June. Reed will complete McKaughan’s term, which ends in December 2023.

In the days following her takeover of the position, video footage surfaced showing Reed speaking to a crowd of protesters in front of the state capital in Olympia, railing against police brutality.

In the video Reed encourages the crowd to say the names of some people killed by police officers, including Breonna Taylor.

Reed also appears in the video shouting “F–k the police!” and encourages the protesters to riot, saying, “It amazes me how those pigs can sit over there to watch us peacefully … talk about what we want changed in this state.”

“And they don’t pay attention until we tear s— up. So, before I get started, tear everything up in this f—ing city until they do what we want them to do,” Reed said. 

Reed has not addressed the video, but the school board has reaffirmed its decision to place her in the position.

“During the interview process she showed herself to be a committed and thoughtful advocate for the students of our school district,” the district 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.”