For the past week, we’ve been home with our families trying to absorb and explain the graphically violent and inexplicable death of George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer while other officers stood by. Whether locally, nationally, or internationally, the resulting expressions of horror, anger, despair, and anguish have been real, genuine, and strong. The acts of the former police officers with the Minneapolis Police Department require universal condemnation. These issues demand the attention of all of us, and that we not remain silent in the face of such horrific conduct and acts.
The NCADA recognizes and embraces our place as a role model in the legal community. We are proud of our history of inclusion of all members of the civil defense community, regardless of race, gender identification, religion, sexual orientation, skin color, or ethnicity. The diversity of our members and our profession is at the heart of what makes the NCADA the wonderful organization it is. Supporting and embracing that diversity benefits all of us. And although we don’t always understand what other people are feeling or experiencing, we as individuals should always seek a way to try. The NCADA denounces implicit bias, sexism, homophobia, and racism in all forms. The NCADA also supports peaceful protests and the rule of law; these are important rights in civilized society. We encourage our members to begin the sometimes difficult conversation of our how we can each work to improve our society as a whole.
Please consider what you, your colleagues, and your firm can do to further a positive and constructive dialog.
Sincerely,
F. Lach Zemp, Jr.
President, 2019-2020
