FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: media@vera.org

NEW YORK, NY: On the fifth anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, Vera Institute of Justice President & Director Nick Turner issued the following statement:

"Today marks five years since the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. In these five years, we have seen many people shift from a sincere commitment to understand and uproot the racism that exists in the criminal justice system to rank denial of its existence.

"Justice for George Floyd—and countless other Black people who have been harmed by police violence—means creating a system that provides safety, building thriving communities, and breaking the cycle of trauma and tragedy.

"Recent policy changes have gutted the Department of Justice's civil rights division as well as funding for public safety programs—while promoting more aggressive policing without accountability. The administration even used the days leading up to this somber occasion to announce the dismissal of investigations into, and oversight of, local police departments, including in Minneapolis. This is a challenging period for those of us who work for safe, accountable, and fair policing. As we reflect on George Floyd's memory today, we must remind ourselves that the fight for justice is not always linear, but our commitment to it is unwavering.

"In the face of significant obstacles, the Vera Institute of Justice continues to conduct research and advocate for evidence-backed policy solutions that increase public safety and reduce the harm caused by over policing—including limiting traffic stops for minor violations that do not affect public safety and expanding access to diversion programs that address the root causes of crime. And as efforts to move legislation in Congress are stymied, we urge states to meaningfully invest in a comprehensive approach to community safety—one that relies on more than just police—and pass reforms that ensure better, more accountable policing.

"We at Vera remain relentless in our vision for safe, healthy, empowered communities and a fair, accountable justice system—today and every day."

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About the Vera Institute of Justice: The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and policy experts working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. Vera’s headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York, with offices in Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. For more information, visit vera.org.

About Vera Action: Vera Action is an independent 501(c)(4) organization and the advocacy partner of the Vera Institute of Justice. At Vera Action, we harness the power of advocacy, lobbying, and political strategy to end mass incarceration, protect immigrants’ rights, restore dignity to people behind bars, and build safe and thriving communities.