Can we really claim to support diversity and inclusion and not talk about Ferguson, Missouri, racial disparities and economic exclusion? Someone told me that I shouldn’t talk about it in my work because it’s too political. If stopping the dehumanization and brutality against people of color, mentally ill and anyone else is too political, then I’m too political. Inclusion is not just for people running the organization, or just for people who think it’s “nice.” It means change, transformation and willingness to value each human being who is not out to harm others.
Someone told me that they were getting sick of hearing about Ferguson and the death of Michael Brown.
I said that I was sick of hearing about the deaths of so many people of color at the hands of bad police, and people who want to be police.
I’ve worked with some amazing police officers who go out, put their lives on the line everyday to protect everyone. I’ve worked with amazing police officers who see a large part of their job as developing relationships with the communities where they work.
I don’t think all police are bad, or racist or homophobic, but I think we need to do something about the ones that are.
Everyone should be able to go to the police if they need help. That’s what they are supposed to do, keep us safe. Law enforcement doesn’t work if LGBT and people of color are afraid to approach the people who are supposed to protect us, or if we have to get protection from them.
I’ve worked with many good police officers who are here to protect and serve everyone, but when other officers who out of fear, hatred or ignorance unnecessarily harm or take the lives of civilians particularly people of color, are not held accountable, don’t suffer any consequences, and continue to keep their jobs. It makes everyone else look bad. It creates resentment, fear and distrust of police in those communities.
I’m not saying that cops shouldn’t arrest people, or shoot people. I’m just saying that they should arrest and shoot the right people. Their credibility and ability to do their job right is at stake.
I’m also calling for more education for police officers and anyone else in law enforcement. Breaking bias and eliminating fear of others can save lives of people in the community and police.
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