Massachusetts Bar Association Statement on the Death of George Floyd

The Massachusetts Bar Association condemns the violent assault that caused the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement members in Minnesota. 

Our criminal justice system continues to be plagued by systemic inequalities that contribute to people of color being treated differently at every stage of the process. These inequalities result in unnecessary violence and at times have deadly consequences and lead to disparities in the courtroom, resulting in disproportionate incarceration among African-Americans. As members of the bar, we are a part of this flawed system and cannot stand by quietly when any part of it fails to deliver on the promise of equal justice for all.

People across the country have taken to the streets to protest the killings of George Floyd and other victims of fatal prejudice, including Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. We share their hurt, anger and frustration and offer our support. We join with all those who peacefully seek positive change and an end to racism. We applaud the actions of members of the law enforcement community who have also joined in this peaceful protest and are working to remove inequalities in the criminal justice system. We are committed to using our position as the preeminent voice of the legal profession in Massachusetts to speak out against racism and to work to change a system that does not treat all people equally under the law. 

The MBA was founded 110 years ago by Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. and Louis D. Brandeis on principles of diversity and inclusion, inviting lawyers of all races, colors and creeds to be members. One of the primary purposes of the MBA is to promote "diversity and unity in the legal profession and respect for the law." One of the MBA’s earliest presidents, Moorfield Storey, led the way on diversity and inclusion serving as the first president of the NAACP. But our proud legacy of inclusion will remain incomplete so long as there are inequities in our criminal justice system and in the legal profession. We must recognize the hard truth that we, as a bar association and profession, have not done enough to fight inequality and live up to the example set by our early leaders. 

For our brothers and sisters in the African-American community -- and to all people who continue to receive unequal treatment under the law -- we pledge to listen, to seek a better understanding of the inequalities that continue to exist in America, and to be a more effective ally working with the community in the pursuit of true equality. We will not stay silent in the face of injustice.

John J. Morrissey