Community reacts to ‘hurtful’ remarks by school board member, demands for his resignation

CLAY COUNTY — Clay County District 2 School Board Member Robert Alvero is under fire after remarks he made about the Black community were posted on social media.

In a since-deleted Facebook video, Alvero said he found the majority of African American people he had been around to be “nasty, rude and problematic.”

“I have had 80% more negative experience with the African American community in this country than with White people,” Alvero remarked.

“That being said, [that] 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 [am] still friends with them because [they’re] good, decent people. But that’s the 20% of the people I have met,” he continued.

Alvero referenced his understanding of Nick Fuentes, a political commentator who has made various controversial statements sparking controversy and debate on race and cultural stereotypes. Alvero said he agreed with Fuentes’ statement that “everybody has a little bit of racism in them.” Being Cuban, he said, he has also had racial bias against his own ethnicity.

Following the video’s release, Facebook users took to the comments to share their concerns and thoughts.

“Resign. Now,” one said.

“Anybody that followed his candidacy for school board is not surprised, by this,” said another. “Only shaking my head at him posting this video himself. We knew these were his views.”

Some commentators agreed with Alvero’s statements, and others called on his First Amendment right.

“I don’t see anything wrong with what he said. He’s telling “his” truth. What he has encountered. This is his experience,” another wrote.

School Board Chair Erin Skipper released a statement saying that she was aware of Alvero’s comments. She said she hoped Alvero “does the right thing and considers resigning.”

“The remarks do not reflect the values of our school district and are unacceptable,” she wrote.

Skipper said the board plans to discuss the matter at its next meeting on Jan. 8.

The Republican Party of Clay County also made a statement publicly demanding Alvero’s resignation, calling his comments “hurtful” and “disappointing.”

“Clay County elected officials should always hold themselves to a higher standard and represent all people regardless of ethnicity.”

Alvero has since responded to the controversy, stating that his comments were taken out of context.

“I could have explained it better,” he said. “What I meant to say is that cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings, but despite that, people can move past these differences and become good friends.”

 Alvero represents the Oakleaf area, where more than 20% of residents identify as Black or African American. He was elected to the school board in November 2024.