Since the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, we have seen peaceful protests throughout Oregon to demonstrate the urgent
need to address systemic racism and the violent over-policing of black and brown communities. The first, most important thing to acknowledge is WHY people are in the streets: Black and Brown people have been murdered in those same streets, often by police, almost always without consequences.  This violence can be traced back to the founding of our nation,  and up to the shooting of Jacob Blake just days ago.

The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics establishes the ethical standard for my profession by calling all nurses to advocate for human rights and social justice. As a nurse and a local leader, I am proud and inspired by how our own communities in House District 37 are making their voices heard and committing themselves to social justice. 

But some of what we are seeing on our streets and our screens is anything but inspiring.

Let me make it very clear:

• Change for these communities has been too slow, and the anger and frustration people are feeling is legitimate.

• I condemn all violence, whether it’s  against police and bystanders on the part of those co-opting peaceful protest, or on the part of institutions against black bodies and peaceful protesters. 

• We need to be supporting small businesses who are struggling to get back on their feet during the pandemic, not destroying those very businesses that people have spent their lives building. 

• The damage to buildings that provide social services and stockpile PPE hurts Multnomah County’s efforts to protect Oregonians from a deadly virus, and it is unacceptable. 

This violence and rioting needs to stop – now. Let us instead focus on the important work we must undertake to make our community, our state and our nation a better place for every person – especially Black and Brown people who have been disproportionately oppressed and hurt by institutional violence. I urge leaders in the City of Portland to work swiftly toward solutions, so no more lives are lost or businesses damaged.

I believe in the power of Oregonians to bring about change and healing, and I will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who are engaged in the fight for justice.