New York, May 9, 2020 — In response to the ongoing legislative session in New York state, the following statement can be attributed to Carolyn Martinez-Class, spokesperson for Communities United for Police Reform Action Fund:
“While we are not shocked, we are dismayed that members of the legislature have failed to advance meaningful police reform this week. Not one agenda item for this week’s legislative session addressed the clear and present danger that Black, Latinx and other New Yorkers of color are facing at the hands of police in New York. The continued inaction of the legislature means that Black, Latinx and other New Yorkers of color must contend not only with the devastating loss of lives in the COVID-19 crisis, but also the terror and injustice of abusive and discriminatory policing. Whether it’s referred to as social distancing enforcement or Stop and Frisk, the result is the same. Black and Latinx communities continue to suffer from racially disparate police enforcement, and will continue to face daily humiliation, abuse and violence by officers who face no consequences for their actions. The legislature must pass the Safer NY Act, including a full repeal of 50-a and the Police STAT Act. “
About Communities United for Police Reform Action Fund
Communities United for Police Reform Action Fund (CPRAF) promotes public policy solutions to end abusive, discriminatory policing and advances community safety by building the political power of communities that experience abusive policing.
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Media Contact: Hannah Ross