Statement on the Verdict in State of Minnesota v. Derek Chauvin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Contact: Peri Jude Radecic, Chief Executive Officer
Disability Rights Pennsylvania
Email: pradecic@disabilityrightspa.org

Disability Rights Pennsylvania Statement on the Verdict in

State of Minnesota v. Derek Chauvin

Harrisburg, PA – Disability Rights Pennsylvania, a leader in disability rights legal and advocacy services for nearly forty-five (45) years, stands with Black Lives Matter and the civil rights community. We at DRP have been horrified at the death of George Floyd and those who are victims of violence and institutional racism, many of whom are a part of the disability community. Today, a jury convicted Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd. It is a small step to bring justice to an awful situation that illustrated the impacts of institutional racism, but no verdict will ever replace a life. We must root out the systemic and interpersonal racism that permeates our culture to prevent more families from having to mourn and bury loved ones and so that communities of color no longer have to live in fear.

Nearly a year has passed since the senseless death of George Floyd. At that time, Disability Rights Pennsylvania joined the civil rights community to mourn Mr. Floyd’s death. People with disabilities know first-hand how police interactions can become violent and deadly. Disability Rights Pennsylvania thanks the jury for hearing and weighing the evidence in this case and in reaching a just verdict.

Disability Rights Pennsylvania rejects racism and white supremacy and will continue to speak out against long-standing institutions that disregard the civil and human rights of people of color. We will continue to work with our partners in the civil rights community to ensure a more just and inclusive Pennsylvania.

DRP is the statewide protection and advocacy agency for Pennsylvanians with disabilities. DRP protects and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities so they may live the lives they choose, free from abuse, neglect, discrimination, and segregation. DRP’s vision is a Commonwealth where people of all abilities are equal and free. disabilityrightspa.org.