Within our community, we have felt sickened by the tragic murder of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee. While we support the swift action by city officials in the death of Nichols and subsequent civil rights investigation opened by the U.S. Department of Justice, the continued killings and police brutality in our nation demand accountability.
We are joining all Americans and NAACP, the country's historic civil rights organization, to ask the question posed in their statement, “How much more trauma and tragedy must the Black community experience in order to spark real change?” and call on Congress to take action, as follows:- End qualified immunity that protects law enforcement from monetary damages in lawsuits; and
- Collect data on policing, including circumstances around the use of police violence.
We also recognize the need for increased attention to appropriate unconscious bias, anti-racism, and de-escalation training of law enforcement and the establishment of safe spaces for dialogue and healing in our communities.
Identity-based violence has devastating effects, especially Black, Jewish, AAPI, Latino, LGBTQIA+, Native American communities, as well as other historically marginalized groups. Yet, the perspectives of those most impacted are all too often absent from policy conversations intended to address these challenges.
We encourage elected officials to take urgent action to tackle the roots of racism within policing units and move legislation forward that ensures law enforcement agencies take clear steps toward accountability. America’s credibility to advance universal rights beyond our borders depends on our ability to defend and enforce those rights at home.
All voices are essential. This is about basic human rights - addressing institutional racism and violence, and true justice requires action.
NAACP and all Americans need to stand up for change! Join UNA-NCA in signing this petition to Congress.
