The death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, was not just an incident of unacceptable police behavior, it was the most recent incident of police brutality against a black American citizen in a long, unbroken history. This cannot be tolerated. We cannot remain silent. Far too often, it is individuals from our black community who suffer disproportionately when our institutions and leaders fail to respect standards of justice equally. 

The protests in the United States and elsewhere reflect a frustration and rage rooted in injustice unanswered. As individuals, we must not only bear witness to the injustice, we must act to root it out of our judicial system, of our leadership, of our police forces,  and of our society.

FAWCO does not condone violence, but we do encourage activism. We must raise our voices in solidarity and peaceful protest, demonstrate our convictions and elect those who represent the highest ideals of justice and humanity. Our communities need institutions and leadership that respect human rights with every interaction, at every level. 

We call on our members to remind all of our elected officials, police officers and civil servants of their obligations and duties to protect and serve without discrimination and without excessive violence. And as ever, we remind everyone to register and VOTE.