Reading Leaders Issue Statement On George Floyd's Death

READING, MA – The chair and vice chair of the Reading Select Board and chair of the Human Rights Advisory Committee joined the Reading Police Department Tuesday in condemning the police killing of George Floyd.

"The Reading Human Relations Advisory Committee shares in the national sorrow of the tragic death of George Floyd," HRAC Chair Josh Goldlust said in a statement.

As protests and unrest unfurl across the nation, including in Boston, town officials said they stand united in supporting the black community, working to educate and promote safety, justice and engagement for all people and re-affirming that members of the Reading Police Department are committed to protecting and serving all people in town.

"The actions and inaction of police officers, leading to the death of a man in their custody, shows failure at multiple levels, but most importantly, a failure in the most vital and solemn vocation of a police officer: to safeguard human life and instill a sense of safety in their community," Police Chief David Clark said Saturday. "These actions stand in stark contrast to the standard that the vast majority of law enforcement agencies, including the Reading Police Department, work to uphold every day."

Select Board Chair Mark Dockser said the tragedy "causes us to reflect upon the importance of ensuring that Reading is a welcoming place for all who live, learn, worship, work and visit here." Vice Chair Anne Landry added that the Board is committed to "fostering an inclusive community and to the work of anti-racism here in Reading."

"We have been pleased to sponsor a series of Community Conversations hosted by the Reading Public Library in the past year; these national tragedies underscore the importance of continuing to engage in dialogue, learn from each other, and grow as a community," Town Manager Bob LeLacheur said.

HRAC refers residents to the following resources they may find helpful at this time:

• NAACP We Are Done Dying Campaign
• Anti-racism Resources
• A list of anti-racism resources to read and watch