(HOUSTON, TX, 6/9/2020) – The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed Council Member at Large 4 Dr. Letitia Plummer’s latest efforts to eliminate police misconduct by introducing amendments 4.01 and 4.02 to the Houston City Council budget. They will be joining a rally with other local community organizations on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 from 8-10:30 am at 901 Bagby St., Houston, Texas, 77002.
In a letter, CAIR-Houston urged city council members to stand in solidarity with the members of the Houston community by voting for these amendments that will serve as a catalyst to implement an Independent Police Oversight Board. Amendments proposed will provide, but are not limited to:
- De-escalation and implicit bias training for law enforcement.
- Create a portal for police misconduct and a reporting platform for impacted and concerned community members.
- Establish a zero-tolerance campaign that will prevent excessive or deadly end results in police and citizen interactions/confrontations.
- Implement the “Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets” (CAHOOTS) program by providing funding for essential equipment and on the ground and direct resources.
CAIR-Houston
also joins local activists and coalition groups calling for full disclosure and
reform in light of recent concerning reports of law enforcement misconduct. In
partnership with coalition groups, CAIR-Houston is aiding in providing free
legal support services to victims of police brutality, official misconduct and
wrongful arrest.
In a statement, CAIR-Houston President and Chairman of Board of
Directors John Floyd, Esq., said:
“Black and other communities of color have suffered
disproportionately at the hands of law enforcement for many generations. We
stand in solidarity with our vulnerable and marginalized communities –
especially those that have suffered the brunt of police violence and killings.
We will remain vigilant and involved in local coalition efforts to address
these issues that have been allowed to fester in our communities for far too
long. We are thankful for Council Member Dr. Plummer’s leadership on this
issue. This is the first of many steps that need to be taken to reform policing
in our communities and for broader criminal justice reform.”
He encouraged community members to contact their council members
to share their support in these latest efforts. Floyd also asks anyone who is a
witness or victim of hate and discrimination to report it immediately to the
authorities and to contact CAIR-Houston for support at 713-838-2247 or at our
website: https://cairhouston.com/get-help-now/
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding
of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la
comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en
los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Houston President
and Chairman of Board of Directors, John Floyd, Attorney. [email protected] 713.224.0101,
Communications and Program Coordinator Ambreen Hernandez [email protected], 973.495.0976