Movement for Black Lives opposes George Floyd Justice Act
DETROIT – The Movement for Black Lives is opposing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, arguing the bill doubles down on reform strategies that have historically failed to center marginalized communities and address police violence nationwide, according to a blistering letter to congressional leaders, first shared with The Associated Press.
The movement, which was formed in 2014, is a coalition of 150 organizations nationwide that helped drive the global protests against racial inequity last summer. It is demanding Congress create new, comprehensive legislation to confront disinvestment, mass incarceration and systemic racism in America.
The movement is concerned it doesn’t address the root causes that have led to Black Americans dying at the hands of police.
The bill would ban chokeholds and “qualified immunity” for law enforcement while creating national standards for policing in a bid to bolster accountability.
The coronavirus has taken a toll on everyone, but women have disproportionately suffered the consequences of the pandemic both in their careers and in their own homes.
It's been widely reported throughout the pandemic that the economic fallout has most often hurt working women.
They are more likely to give up jobs and working hours to care for children sent home for school or to take on other family burdens. That, coupled with the industries hit hardest by the virus, has led to an uneven impact on women.
Workers in tourism, travel, restaurants and retail are more likely to be women, YWCA president Christie Angel said during an online forum hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Club Wednesday. Those jobs, Angel said, are likely to be some of the last to return after the pandemic, compounding financial losses and career setbacks women have faced since COVID-19 first arrived in Ohio.
“You have … a large group of women