Racism is a Health and Human Rights Issue

We are living through a defining moment in history.  The dual crises of the viral pandemic and civil unrest are causing all of us to be sad, angry and exhausted.  In the middle of a deadly and disabling viral epidemic in America caused by COVID-19, we are experiencing historic civil disorder around the U.S. in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.  Let’s be clear, the violent police killing of George Floyd was a criminal act, but it wasn’t the first.  This was the tipping point, though.  All social uprisings have a tipping point and this time, it presents even more risk than usual due to COVID-19.

There has been persistent racial discrimination and violent policing without adequate legal accountability for a long time in America.  We need to change this.

Civil rights are linked to the political, economic and social rights that have long been violated for black and brown people.  Systemic racial discrimination comes in many forms.  Violent discriminatory policing has a connection to the discriminatory practices throughout society.  We’ve seen how societal injustices in the workplace have led to higher risks during the pandemic.  These risks are compounded by socially constructed inequalities leading to a disproportionate burden of chronic health conditions.   In other words, there is a link between institutional racism, increased chronic health problems and increased risk of death from COVID-19.  So, people have had enough.  It has come to a breaking point.  There is civil unrest during the pandemic.

Systemic racism is a public health issue and a civil and human rights issue
Violent policing is a public health issue and a civil and human rights issue
Discrimination is a public health issue and a civil and human rights issue

We are sad, we are angry and we mourn the injustices, but we are more resolved than ever to do more– to collectively act for a more just society.  This is a very difficult time in America and a seminal moment in our history.  We believe we are experiencing the beginning of a social movement that can result in real change.  Let’s act to make this happen—together.