CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The chair of the Clay County School Board has responded to a social media video posted by a board member that showed him making controversial remarks about African Americans.
Clay News & Views had the video that was posted to District 2 Clay County Board member Robert Alvero’s Facebook page last week.
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In the Facebook live, which has since been removed, Alvero said, “I have had 80% more negative experience with the African American community in this country than with white people.”
“With that being said,” he continued. “Doesn’t mean I haven’t had good experiences with African American people. I have met a lot of great African American people, and I still friends with them because they’re good, decent people. But that’s the 20% of the people I have met. They’re African Americans. The other 80%, they’re being nasty. They’re being rude. They’re being problematic. Always trying to fight. Always disrespecting. So why would I want to be around people like that?”
Alvero joined the board in November 2024 and represents the Oakleaf area. African Americans make up 25% of the district.
Some people spoke out against the board member’s remarks, including District 1 School Board chair Erin Skipper.
She said the board was aware of his comments, which did not “reflect the values” of the school district, and would address them during a board meeting in early January.
I am aware of the recent comments made by a fellow school board member, Mr. Alvero. The remarks do not reflect the values of our school district and are unacceptable. I sincerely hope this member does the right thing and considers resigning.
I recognize and understand the concerns being expressed by our community and appreciate those who have spoken up and reached out to me. At the same time, we are in the Christmas season, a time for reflection and focusing on family.
The board will meet again on January 8, 2026, at which time this matter will be addressed appropriately. Until then, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Erin Skipper Clay County School Board - District 1
According to Clay News, Alvero expressed deep regret for his comments and said it “did not represent what he was trying to say.”
“I made comments that were wrong and offensive. That wasn’t my intention. They do not reflect my values or how I treat people. I regret them and apologize. I am taking the time to reflect,” Alvero said to Clay News.
Read his full statement below:
While I faced some negative interactions, including being called names and even physically assaulted, I also met many good, decent people some of whom remain my friends today. I want to clarify that these experiences are personal and not meant to generalize. It was an attempt to say people’s character is not defined by their visual characteristics, life experiences, or socioeconomic standards. We as people are divisive, and through the best of my ability I was trying to point out how people can judge each other while not seeing both sides and how stereotypes of a whole group are not accurate.
As a Christian man, I love everyone regardless of their race. I recognize that I could have expressed my thoughts more clearly, and I sincerely apologize if I offended anyone; that was never my intention. I believe actions speak louder than words, and I treat everyone with respect. My friendships are based on the content of character, and that’s how it should be for everyone.
Robert Alvero to Clay News