The Allegheny County Human Rights Commission is calling for action from regional government and law enforcement leaders in the fight against racism.
In an open letter to county residents, commission members Daniel Styche, Chair, William Price, Vice Chair, Nicola Henry-Taylor, Betsy Magley, Arthur Pang and Marlin Woods addressed the killing of George Floyd, a Minneapolis man who died May 25 at the hands of police officers, now charged in connection with his death.
“No person, family or community, should ever have to experience or endure brutality, injustice or a lack of empathy from people in power, and yet, this is what we witnessed,” the letter says. “We bore witness, not only from the video of a white officer restraining and ultimately killing an unarmed, handcuffed black American, but also the militaristic response of dozens of police forces across the country to largely peaceful protests led by black Americans and joined by allies.”
The ACHRC stated its goal is to ensure everyone has equal opportunities for employment and housing.
“To this end, we are calling for action from our region’s government and law enforcement leaders to pass and enforce laws that combat racism and implement anti-racist policies and practices, and for those organizations to be transparent in measures taken by municipal law enforcement to eliminate racial bias and be accountable to the communities they serve.”
The letter goes on to say the commission’s actions have included advising on the hiring of a director of equity and inclusion for Allegheny County and planning a summer forum to discuss racial traumas and police/community relations.
“We hope and expect that leaders move with intentionality and haste to take actions against racism, which has no place in policing, housing, and economic systems. “
