NEA President statement on the one-year mark of George Floyd’s murder

Washington – NEA President Becky Pringle issued the following statement and call to action on the one-year mark of the murder of George Floyd.

 “All of us—regardless of our race, gender or ZIP code—want to live without fearing for our lives or those of our loved ones. And we demand that our elected leaders, especially those who have taken an oath to serve and protect us, respect our rights, no matter our race, background or where we live. 

“Even today, as we continue to mourn more victims of police violence, some politicians will do anything to shame and blame the victims of this police brutality. They attempt to distract us from their failure to ensure we have the care, security, and support all of us need.

“Going to school or returning home from an after-school job, visiting friends or going to a cookout or concert—or a playground—should not put students’ lives at risk. But sadly, in communities of color, this is the reality.

“We know that a better future is possible. It is time to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which is a first step to enacting meaningful reforms to end police brutality and restore faith in law enforcement agencies. Specifically, it would prohibit discriminatory profiling, ban chokeholds, and require federal and state police to use body cameras—important steps to help ensure police officers treat everyone with dignity and respect so that all of our communities are safe for every one of us. No exceptions.”

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers. Learn more at www.nea.org.