For the last several weeks, BORP’s board and staff have been processing the tragic death of George Floyd, the recent protests against police violence and systemic racism, and the rising awareness that something must be done to address these injustices. Most importantly we have begun the process of critically looking at how BORP can be a positive force in combating racism and contributing to social justice in the future. The following statement summarizes our discussions and a way forward. 

BORP is deeply saddened and troubled by the police violence and brutality against Black men and women and peaceful protesters during the last few weeks. We wish to express our full support for our communities challenging injustice. The systematic brutality we’ve seen again and again perpetrated against Black people is not new. What is new, is the outpouring of outrage and the widespread acknowledgement that racism in our country must end and be addressed in meaningful and impactful ways. The fight for racial justice intersects with the disability community in that violence, including violence by law enforcement, disproportionately impacts people with disabilities.

To move forward and demonstrate BORP’s commitment to address racial inequities within our organization, we will conduct staff training on racial equity, develop and implement an equity plan to better serve communities of color and other marginalized groups, and become educated about how we can be better allies in the movement to end racism.

We stand/sit in solidarity. Black lives matter.