Dear John,

Hate and racism are not new. After George Floyd’s horrific death, we are heartbroken and outraged, but we are also determined to address the deep, pervasive, systemic issues that fueled this tragedy.

We join the community, faith leaders and civil rights organizations across this country in calling for the former Minneapolis police officer who forcibly kneeled on George Floyd’s neck, and for the other three who did nothing to intervene while George Floyd begged for his life, to be held accountable.

While it is a necessary first step in the pathway towards justice that former Officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody, it is simply not enough. Based on the horrifying cell phone footage that has rightfully outraged Americans across the country, it is clear that the three other former officers who participated in Mr. Floyd’s death need to be held responsible for their actions to the fullest extent of our legal system.

The Hennepin County District Attorney and local investigators must do everything in their power to ensure the wheels of justice turn swiftly.

As an organization committed to fighting all forms of hate, we know that this brutal death follows an explosion of racist murders and hate crimes across the United States. As an agency that has stood for justice and fair treatment to all since our founding in 1913, we know that this has occurred at a time when communities of color have been reeling from the disproportionate health impacts and economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

In short, systemic injustice and inequality calls for systemic change. Now.

ADL will continue to support the communities most deeply impacted by these incidents. We will call for inclusive policy-making and continue to speak out against racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, hate and discrimination of all kinds. We will advocate for anti-racist police practices, as well as call for the removal of officers who have track records of unnecessary force or are affiliated with racist hate groups.

We stand in solidarity with Black and Brown communities across the country as they yet again are subject to pain and suffering at the hands of a racist and unjust system.

You are not alone. We are with you.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Greenblatt

CEO and National Director

ADL