M E M O R A N D U M
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Town Council
From: Roger Coriat, Council Member Seat 3
Date: June 17, 2020
Re: Reaffirmation of Social Justice
Statement on the Death of George Floyd
REQUEST
title
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CUTLER BAY, FLORIDA, CONDEMNING THE RECKLESS ACTIONS OF THE MINNEAPOLIS POLICE OFFICERS INVOLVED IN THE DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD, EXTENDING CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF GEORGE FLOYD FOR THEIR LOSS, AND SUPPORTING THE FLOYD FAMILY IN ITS CALL FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE FOLLOWING THIS INCIDENT; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
body.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The Town of Cutler Bay (the “Town”) stands firmly in its support for equality and social justice, and with the rest of the Nation in the struggle against injustice. We believe in the democratic principles that define our municipality, which must be honored and enforced universally, regardless of race, gender identity, religion, or immigration status. At their core, our institutions must embrace respect, kindness, responsibility, and citizenship.
Along with communities across the State and the Nation, we have spent the last weeks reeling from recent acts of brutality as a result of racial intolerance. The death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police officers is a somber reminder of the need to dismantle systematic racial oppression in our nation. It is an urgent call for all to promote inclusiveness and equity, and to engage in a national dialogue on race and equality. As a public official, I believe it is our duty to use our legal and moral authority to protect all members of our community no matter their race or color or where they fall on the power spectrum. It is our duty to foster a community free of fear, intimidation and violence - a community in which people are not targeted or hurt unnecessarily by law enforcement - and provide equal protection under the law.
The Mayor and Council of the Town, along with its Charter Officials and Staff, pledge to lead by example in taking concrete action to deny racial inequity a place in our Town. Further, the residents of Cutler Bay are encouraged to be cognizant, compassionate, and responsible in addressing this very difficult and real problem in our society. We must do this even as we are mindful of the ongoing pandemic, and the challenges it presents for people around the world.
We extend our condolences to Mr. Floyd’s family and friends and to all who grieve his death. We offer our thoughts to the countless members of our community who have been personally impacted as well.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Town Council approve the attached Resolution, reaffirming our commitment to the larger goals of social justice and delivering the promise of good and fair public safety protection, by (1) condemning the reckless actions of the Minneapolis police officers involved in the death of George Floyd, (2) extending condolences to the family of George Floyd for their loss, and (3) supporting the Floyd Family in its call for justice and peace following the incident.