Statement on the Killing of George Floyd

May 30, 2020

The fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and promoting peace and security, includes fighting against systematic and systemic racism, xenophobia, and bigotry, whether it is at the hands of police or at the political will of institutions upholding racial inequality. We condemn the death of George Floyd, which once again calls attention to the discrimination against black people, who built this country through toil and sweat, and who are targeted and killed. 

Call their names...George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tony Mcdade were all unarmed black people recently killed at the hands of police. As their families mourn, and the city of Minneapolis demands justice, we must call out both white supremacy and indifference that turn a blind eye to armed protestors standing against COVID-19 and to those who allowed Aumaud Arbery’s murderers to roam free for two months without charge. We must call it out when Omar Jimenez is arrested for legally reporting the news and when Christian Cooper is threatened while birdwatching. 

Bias against black people creates a downstream effect on health care, education, housing, economic security, and all other social and political structures. In the wake of the recent murders of innocent black people, and their apparent disproportionate deaths by COVID-19, complacency to their suffering is incomprehensible and risks global peace and security.

In a country plagued by racism, it is up to us, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, political beliefs, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or gender identity, to find common ground and support one another. Acts of discrimination against black people and people of color will never make this country great. All forms of supremacy must be opposed, making room for the vision of a country that can regain its status as a world leader in both equity and justice. We have a long way to go, and it is entirely too long overdue. Still, the clarity and visibility of intolerance and its impact brings forth an opportunity for the masses to oppose oppression on all fronts and in all its ugly forms. 

 As we seek justice for George Floyd, we must stand together to create a more peaceful and secure world.

In solidarity.