MNCCD would like to issue an apology for not posting a response to the murder of George Floyd earlier. We recognize that, as a Consortium of over 30 organizations, we have a responsibility to influence broadly, and we missed the opportunity to be clear about our solidarity against systemic racism. We are outraged and saddened that George Floyd was murdered, and this murder occurred due to the systemic racism that has allowed the police department to oppress communities of color for decades. We offer our deep condolences to the family of George Floyd and to the Black community. We will listen, we will be louder, we will do better. We acknowledge our White privilege on both the MNCCD Board and among many of our engaged committee members. Our White privilege gave us the option to not quickly call out Mr. Floyd's murder, and for that we are deeply apologetic. We will work hard to ensure MNCCD is a welcoming community that listens to and partners with Black, Indigenous and People of Color. We sincerely apologize and commit to the following:
· The MNCCD focuses on changing public policy. We will analyze our public policy efforts through the lens of racial equity.
· The MNCCD Board and the Anti-Discrimination committee of the MNCCD will identify training and resources on intersectionality, and explore ways to make these accessible broadly to our Consortium members, and incorporate these efforts into the infrastructure of the MNCCD.
We acknowledge that these efforts are only the first step, and commit to doing our part to dismantle the barriers inherent in systems that keep people with disabilities, especially people with disabilities of color, from living full lives in community.
Please read MNCCD's revised statement below.