“Biden Reflects on Progress and Challenges on the Third Anniversary of…”

President Joe Biden’s Statement on the Third Anniversary of George Floyd’s Murder

President Joe Biden issued a statement on May 25, 2023, marking the third anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. President Biden uses the occasion to both reflect on the progress made since Floyd’s death and call for further action to address the challenges that remain. The President notes that Floyd’s murder exposed the injustice that Black and Brown communities have long known and experienced. Floyd’s death sparked one of the largest civil rights movements in generations, with demands to acknowledge and address the challenges in the criminal justice system and institutions more broadly.

Making Progress towards Real Police Reforms

A year ago, President Biden signed an executive order alongside Kamala Harris, George Floyd’s family, civil rights leaders, and law enforcement officials. The executive order applied key elements of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to federal law enforcement. These elements include banning chokeholds, restricting no-knock warrants, establishing a database for police misconduct, and other measures to advance effective and accountable policing that builds public trust and increases public safety.

In his statement, President Biden mentions that his administration has made significant progress in fulfilling the requirements of the executive order and making policing safer, more equitable, and more effective. However, he recognizes that implementing real and lasting change at the state and local levels requires Congress to act. The President urges Congress to enact meaningful police reform and send it to his desk, as he is committed to fighting for police accountability in Congress.

A Covenant of Equal Justice

President Biden emphasizes that equal justice is a covenant we each have with one another. He urges Americans to recommit to the work that needs to be done every day to change hearts and minds as well as laws and policies. He stresses the importance of building on the progress made so far and working towards the legacy of George Floyd and so many others being about more than their deaths, but about the work done to honor their memory.

Editorial: The State of Police Reform in America

President Biden’s statement highlights the crucial need to address the challenges in the criminal justice system and institutions more broadly. The murder of George Floyd exposed systemic issues that have long existed in police departments throughout the country. While President Biden has taken important steps towards police reform at the federal level, there is much more work to be done.

The progress made under President Biden‘s administration demonstrates the potential for political will and leadership to bring about positive change. It is critical that Congress follows suit and enacts meaningful police reform that can make a real difference in communities around the country. The events of the past few years highlight the urgent need for police reform that centers on accountability, transparency, and equitable justice for all Americans.

Advice: What Can We Do?

As Americans, we all have a role to play in creating a more just society. We can start by educating ourselves on the systemic issues that remain in our criminal justice system. It is also important to recognize and challenge our own biases and assumptions, as they can contribute to the unfair treatment of Black and Brown communities.

Additionally, we can support organizations, advocacy groups, and politicians that fight for police reform. We can also push our elected representatives to take meaningful action, such as supporting legislation like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Finally, we can become more involved in our local communities and work to bring about change at the grassroots level. This can include volunteering with local advocacy groups, attending community meetings, and engaging with our elected officials to ensure that our voices are heard.

The murder of George Floyd was a tragedy that exposed longstanding issues in our criminal justice system. While progress towards police reform has been made, there is still much work to be done. By continuing to fight for change at all levels, we can work towards a more just and equitable future for all Americans.