FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2020
Contact: Jessica Floyd | JFloyd@Skdknick.com |
IT’S TIME TO HONOR GEORGE FLOYD’S LIFE, BY REPEALING 50-A
NEW YORK – In response to the tragic death of George Floyd, and protests nationwide, New Yorkers United for Justice Chief Strategist Khalil A. Cumberbatch, released the following statement calling on the New York legislature to take action:
“George Floyd’s tragic death has led to heartbreak and protests – but it can also lead to much-needed reforms. New York Civil Rights Law Section 50-a shields police misconduct from public disclosure. This lack of transparency into the disciplinary process is wrong: it makes law enforcement less accountable and it makes our communities less safe. It also invites a culture of secrecy while shielding police misconduct, which disproportionately impacts people of color.
“Governor Cuomo was absolutely right to announce he supports repealing 50-a. To honor George Floyd, and so many others, the legislature should immediately send a bill to the Governor’s desk that repeals 50-a. It’s time for action.”
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About New Yorker United for Justice (NYUJ):
New Yorkers United for Justice is a statewide coalition comprised of local and national non- profit organizations committed to supporting a movement that will bring much-needed criminal justice reform to New York State and ensure that policies promote safety and fairness. NYUJ aims for legislative urgency to fix a broken criminal justice system that punishes the poor and communities of color, tears families apart, and makes New Yorkers less safe. NYUJ believes that a system that ensures equal access to justice for anyone accused in New York State, regardless of age, race, ethnicity or social economic status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or religion, must be the standard.