ORANGE PARK – Bishop Marvin C. Zanders will convene a press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 11 a.m. at Saint James AME Church, 535 McIntosh Ave., to address public statements authored by District 2 School Board Member Robert Alvero, who he said has fundamentally compromised the moral trust essential to public service, necessitating a formal call for the official’s immediate resignation. 

Alvero posted a social media video in which he made racially-charged comments, claiming the majority of his experiences with Black people had been negative. 

“Eighty percent, they’ve been nasty, they’ve been rude, they’ve been problematic – always trying to fight, disrespecting,” he said. 

Alvero later said he regretted the “wrong and offensive” comments, but refused to resign, saying they were personal. He also hired an attorney and threatened to sue the Florida Board of Education or the Clay County School Board if they tried to force his resignation. 

The gravity of these remarks has drawn a sharp rebuke from Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas, who characterized the comments as incompatible with the mandate of an elected official serving a diverse student population. Clay County District Schools oversees the formation of more than 36,000 students; notably, 40% of this population comprises minority, multiracial and historically marginalized groups.

Bishop Zanders will be alongside a cohort of faith leaders and civil  rights advocates. Together, they said they will address the sociological and spiritual harm caused by such rhetoric, advocating leadership rooted in dignity, respect and fairness for all students. 

Distinguished speakers will include: 

● Bishop Marvin C. Zanders, presiding prelate and community faith leader 

● Rev. Jeffrey Dove, pastor and community advocate 

● Regional faith, education and civic leaders 

“Words matter, especially when they come from those entrusted with shaping the future of our children,” Zanders said. “During a season meant for reflection and unity, our community must be clear that discrimination in any form has no place in our schools or public institutions.” 

Dove emphasized the necessity of moral clarity and stewardship: “This press conference is about accountability and moral leadership. Our children and families deserve school board members who serve with integrity and understand the responsibility that comes with public office.” 

Saint James AME Church has stood for 147 years as a bastion of faith and a witness to social justice in Orange Park. Grounded in a deep historical tradition of struggle for justice and liberation, the congregation said they remain committed to pursuing educational equity. Dove has remained a steadfast advocate for the community, consistently addressing issues of academic integrity and public protection. 

Members of the public are invited to attend this call for civic righteousness and accountability.