Firm Statement on Racial Equality and Social Justice

We, as a nation, are suffering from the insidious, under-acknowledged illness of systemic racism. Recently, we collectively witnessed the senseless killing of an African American man by police. Eradicating racism requires each of us to harness our emotions and to muster the will to take self-directed, consistent action to advocate for racial equality and justice.

George Floyd’s death is only the most recent of countless, racially based killings of African Americans in this country. To honor the humanity of these involuntary martyrs, we are facing the challenge of eliminating racism, in all its forms and symbols. Fueled by our passion for racial equality and justice for all, our actions, in addition to our words, will ensure that the slain have not died in vain. We will use our privilege, our resources, our expertise, and our collective resolve to defend, represent, counsel, advocate for, empower and, hopefully, inspire others in the pursuit of racial equality and justice.

We stand with the African American community, protestors, and all other people and organizations actively engaged in this pursuit.