Statement by NDRN Executive Director, Curt Decker:
Our nation has once again been confronted by the vast disparities that exist in our justice system. The murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis is a tragedy but it is also all too common. The African American community has been subjected to police brutality and an unequal justice system for far too long.
It is time for this to end. It is time for our country to face the facts.
I am often asked how is this a disability issue?
The answer is simple.
People with disabilities are also people of color, immigrants, refugees, members of the LGBT community, and members of every religious group. They face the same hatred and bigotry and are often subject to the same brutal treatment by police who are not trained to recognize their needs.
The National Disability Rights Network stands on the side of those who are protesting another needless death, who reject hate, and who demand justice.
We will continue to work with the many civil rights groups who share our values of community and inclusion for all until hatred, bigotry, and racism are extinguished for good.
# # #
The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and the Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. Collectively, the Network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States.
