On this day—when a memorial is taking place to honor and mourn George Floyd who was brutally killed at the hands of police officers—we at FDAP express our solidarity with those fighting against police atrocities black lives matter imageand racism. In our legal work representing clients, a majority of whom are people of color, we remain committed to protecting civil rights and holding government officials accountable—whether they be law enforcement officers, government attorneys, or judges. In this regard, we urge you to read the recent letter penned by Patrick McKenna, Executive Director of the Sixth District Appellate Program. FDAP stands by Patrick’s insightful words, recognizing that “Mr. Floyd’s murder rightly inflamed millions of Americans, who we were sick of seeing unarmed people of color lose their lives at the hands of those entrusted to protect us.” And we agree that “for all of us representing indigent defendants, we must remember that we are on the front lines, fighting the important battle of inequity in our justice system.”
Concomitant with our continuing to fight for justice in our legal work, we are also looking inward, committed to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in all regards: client relations, employment practices, panel attorney recruitment, and as a member of the broader legal and non-profit community. We are in the midst of drafting a FDAP diversity, equity, and inclusion statement which we will soon share.
#BlackLivesMatter