MTI Board of Directors Statement on Death of Corey Ruiz // News // July 24th, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2026

MTI Board of Directors Statement on Death of Corey Ruiz

Madison Teachers Inc. (MTI) believes all students deserve to grow up and live in a city, state, and country that treats them fairly and with respect; regardless of race, ethnic background, immigration status, religious beliefs, abilities, or identity. No one should have to fear being mistreated or harmed by people in public service.

The MTI Board, on behalf of its 2,500 members, expresses our condolences to Corey Ruiz’s friends and family and to the community that is in this situation far too often. Our union of educators and caregivers demands accountability for those involved in this heartbreaking tragedy and we demand systemic reform to policing in the City of Madison, the state of Wisconsin, and the United States of America.

Corey Ruiz was once a student and member of the MMSD community. MTI members interacted with him daily. This loss is personal for many of us, and even more tragic because we know it was avoidable. Members who have never personally had a negative experience with law enforcement hear countless stories of unfair treatment, bias and hostile practices towards our students and students’ families of color. Change is needed.

Once again, our city is faced with a grim reality that many have the privilege to ignore until it is too late for someone else’s child, parent, best friend or partner. Black and Brown families experience racism, skepticism, discrimination and bias in Madison every day, at work, at school, and in the street. As we continue to grow as a city, we cannot prosper if we ignore this reality and show up only when tragedy strikes.

MTI members are asked to call upon Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and the Madison Common Council to ensure an independent review of this incident by the Office of the Independent Monitor, to continue needed reforms to address racism and implicit bias with the Department, and to implement recommended community and socially responsible practices to reduce violent confrontations initiated by police officers. 

We are calling upon the Madison Police Department to be open and transparent through this investigation. Understanding that the job is both difficult and dangerous, it often appears that resistance or reluctance to obey justifies extreme use of force, leading too often to the death of a suspect who is afraid and emotionally panicked.

We are calling upon our Union leaders, rank-and-file members, and each of us within the MMSD Community to examine our personal perspective, identify our biases and prejudices, and engage in anti-racist professional development.

We cannot wait another day, another month, or another year to push for the changes we want to see because that time is measured in hunger, pain, and tragedy for too many families in our city.

Do better, be better. Act Now.