Reading, MA — The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Reading Select Board and the Chair of the Human Rights Advisory Committee (HRAC) today join the Reading Police Department in its condemnation of those Minneapolis police officers whose actions, both directly and indirectly, led to the death of George Floyd.
“The Reading Human Relations Advisory Committee shares in the national sorrow of the tragic death of George Floyd,” said HRAC Chair Josh Goldlust.
As protests and unrest unfurl across the nation, including nearby on the streets of Boston, Reading stands united in supporting the Black community, working to educate and promote safety, justice, and engagement for all people, and re-affirming that our dedicated men and women of the Reading Police Department are committed to protect and serve all individuals in our beloved town.
“This national tragedy causes us to reflect upon the importance of ensuring that Reading is a welcoming place for all who live, learn, worship, work, and visit here,” said Select Board Chair Mark Dockser.
Select Board Vice-Chair Anne Landry added, “We recommit to fostering an inclusive community and to the work of anti-racism here in Reading.”
“We have been pleased to sponsor a series of Community Conversations hosted by the Reading Public Library in the past year; these national tragedies underscore the importance of continuing to engage in dialogue, learn from each other, and grow as a community,” said Town Manager Bob LeLacheur.
In his statement of Saturday, May 30, Reading Police Chief David Clark said, “The actions and inaction of police officers, leading to the death of a man in their custody, shows failure at multiple levels, but most importantly, a failure in the most vital and solemn vocation of a police officer: to safeguard human life and instill a sense of safety in their community,” Chief Clark said. “These actions stand in stark contrast to the standard that the vast majority of law enforcement agencies, including the Reading Police Department, work to uphold every day.”
HRAC refers residents to the following resources they may find helpful at this time:
- NAACP We Are Done Dying Campaign
- Anti-racism Resources
- A list of anti-racism resources to read and watch
