Governor Laura Kelly led her Monday news conference with observations stemming from the death of George Floyd in police custody last week and the violence that has followed.
The governor says she’s grateful most protests in Kansas were peaceful over the past week, but she also says Kansas leaders have failed to give institutional racism the attention it needs.
Statement from Governor Laura Kelly on death of George Floyd
The death of George Floyd was unnecessary and preventable. My deepest condolences are with Mr. Floyd’s family, friends, and his community, who have all been impacted by this tragedy.
His death is the latest example of systemic racism that we must acknowledge — and address — in our communities, our neighborhoods and our places of work.
This is a difficult subject that requires care, attention, and action from each of us. We’re not immune to these issues in Kansas, but I have hope that we will use this moment to continue our own conversation about how we can make Kansas a place welcome to everyone – regardless of the color of your skin, who you love or what you believe in – and where no one lives in fear.
