Indianapolis Urban League

Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Calls for Racial Equity, Implicit Bias Training, and Reprimands for Disrespect

Author: K Teague

Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Calls for Racial Equity, Implicit Bias Training, and Reprimands for Disrespect

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IBLC calls for racial equity, implicit bias training, and reprimands for disrespect

INDIANAPOLIS (February 23, 2021) – State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) and members from the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) held a press conference today to discuss their recommendations to the Speaker of the House in response to last week’s disrespectful behavior from Republican legislators during discussion of House Bill 1367.

The IBLC outlined three specific recommendations to the Speaker:

  1. Swift reprimands to the House legislators involved in the altercations last week.
  2. Mandatory racial equity and implicit bias training for all House legislators, so they may gain a better understanding of systemic racism and the role everyone plays.
  3. Assurance that the utmost safety precautions will be taken for all House legislators during the legislative session.

The IBLC first called for these actions in a statement released immediately after last week’s incidents.
“We as lawmakers have a responsibility to address concerning legislation, but cannot do so effectively unless legislators are able to be objective and separate their personal feelings from their legislation,” Shackleford explained.

“Just because we’re saying that a specific policy is discriminatory does not mean we are calling that author ‘racist.’ Racism and implicit bias training would be the first step toward that understanding.”

Reps. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne), and Shackleford met with the Speaker and his leadership team on Monday (Feb. 22) but did not receive a commitment from him on reprimands or training.

“To move forward, we need to acknowledge and address what happened. We can’t just sweep it under the rug,” Shackleford said.

You can view a video of the IBLC press conference at this link.

Recent Actions of Legislators Against Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Members -AACI Statement

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AACI Statement on Recent Actions of Legislators Against Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Members

INDIANAPOLIS – (February 19, 2021) We are appalled at the disrespectful treatment of members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) during the legislative debate on HB 1367. At a time when we should be advancing public policies that afford equal opportunities to individuals and communities, we have spent several weeks opposing numerous bills designed to exacerbate such inequities.

The entire tone of this legislative session has raised serious concerns about whether Black Hoosiers can be treated equally in this state. We have seen proposed cuts to mental health, education bills that continue to unlevel the playing field for urban and underrepresented students, no additional funding for food deserts, undermining of tenant protections during an economic decline and pandemic, and efforts to undue community-based solutions for police reform. The Republican delegation, even while claiming to propose solutions for Indianapolis and its urban core, has made no effort to engage our community—even on the issues that disproportionately impact our community.

Nationally, we have noted the rise of racism and its normalization. We stand in solidarity with the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus and all legislators that fight for both root cause solutions and against policies that maintain systemic racism in our society. We expect that the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore set a tone of civility and enforce it among the members of the Indiana General Assembly.

African American Coalition of Indianapolis

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About the African American Coalition

The African American Coalition of Indianapolis (AACI) is a non-partisan collaboration of African-American civic, social, professional, service and community organizations with a goal to educate and engage African Americans in the local, state and national political process.

Up to 313,000 households, with 720,000 Hoosiers, are at risk of losing their homes.

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IBLC issues statement on override of
governor’s veto of SEA 148-2020

INDIANAPOLIS (February 18, 2021) – The House voted today to override the Governor’s veto of Senate Enrolled Act 184-2020, which would strip local governments of their authority to regulate landlord-tenant relationships. State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis), Chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement on behalf of the caucus in response:

“In the midst of a pandemic, where the main strategy for prevention is to quarantine and isolate, stable housing is key. That is why Governor Holcomb, the CDC and the President issued various eviction and foreclosure moratoriums throughout this past year. Somehow, the Republican caucuses of the General Assembly do not seem to understand this issue.

“It is unconscionable that Republicans would attack tenant protections while Indiana is staring down an eviction crisis. Up to 313,000 households, with 720,000 Hoosiers, are at risk of losing their homes. With this override, we won’t be surprised when those numbers–and that of Indiana’s COVID-19 cases–rise drastically.

“Republicans seem relentless in their drive to strip local governments – particularly that of the city of Indianapolis – of their authority in these matters. The General Assembly is not and cannot be the end-all, be-all power in Indiana. We have 92 individual counties across our great state that experience unique issues. Tenants in Indianapolis may not face the same challenges as tenants in Jeffersonville or even those in Gary. We must respect our partners in local government and allow them to handle their cities, towns and counties in whatever way works best for them.

“We tried to stop it in the Senate. We tried to stop it in the House. The IBLC will fight to restore the rights and protections of all Hoosier tenants.”

Mayor Joe Hogsett Announces Appointments to General Orders Board

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IMPD Chief Taylor announces appointments to General Orders Board

INDIANAPOLIS – (February 5, 2021) Mayor Joe Hogsett announced two civilian appointments to the General Orders Board: Jasmin French and Chrystal Ratcliffe. Each term will last for two years.

“These community leaders will play an integral role in guiding transparent, effective policy for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department,” said Mayor Hogsett. “I look forward to their thoughtful stewardship as we work to enhance trust and collaboration with law enforcement.”

French Headshot

French is a senior manager of Ethics and Compliance at Cummins. She previously served as an attorney for Ice Miller LLP and DLA Piper LLP. French is a member of the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art’s Board of Directors, and serves on the Advisory Boards of the Indianapolis Zoo and the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana. She is a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy (Indianapolis) and the Indy Chamber’s Advance 317 Leadership Exchange program.

Ratcliffe Headshot

Ratcliffe is a retired United Auto Workers union activist and has spent the last 24 years in leadership roles. She has served as the community chairperson for the UAW, and is past vice president of the AMVETS Auxiliary and Americanism Council. She is currently the president of the Greater Indianapolis branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She is also the 4th vice president for the Indiana NAACP. Ratcliffe serves on her parish council and is president of her neighborhood homeowner’s association.

In 2020, the City-County Council passed Proposal 237, which increased the size of the General Orders Board from three to seven, including civilian appointments from the council and the mayor.

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Mark Bode, Deputy Communications Director
Office of Mayor Joe Hogsett – City of Indianapolis

IMPD Chief Taylor announces appointments to General Orders Board

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IMPD Chief Taylor announces appointments to General Orders Board

INDIANAPOLIS – (February 5, 2021)  Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Chief Randal Taylor announced appointments to the General Orders Board: Bryan Roach and David Robinson.

“These law enforcement professionals represent more than 50 combined years of service to the people of Indianapolis and have been integral in IMPD’s efforts to build community trust and develop police-neighborhood partnerships focused on reducing violence,” said Chief Taylor.“I am confident they will spend their time on the General Orders Board developing the kinds of policies that our community asks of us while also ensuring the women and men of the IMPD are safe and supported.”

Robinson

Captain David Robinson is a 25-year veteran of IPD/IMPD, and has served in Operations, Internal Affairs, Professional Standards, Special Events, and as the Deputy Chief of Investigations. He has been assigned to the Administration Division since 2017. Captain Robinson is a veteran of the U.S. Army, holds a bachelor’s degree from IUPUI and a master’s degree from the University of Indianapolis.

Roach

Bryan Roach served on IPD/IMPD for 28 years, holding every rank, merit and appointed, most recently serving as Chief of Police from 2017 until he retired at the end of 2019. Roach’s tenure as chief was marked by an emphasis on criminal justice reform and a community-focused, grassroots public safety strategy. During this time, he led the return to citywide community-based beat policing and oversaw the creation of the Mobile Crisis Assistance Teams (MCAT) – focused on treating, rather than jailing, individuals suffering from mental health issues – as well as the launch of the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) – which convenes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to identify serial shooters for investigation and prosecution. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Executive Institute and National Academy and was awarded two Medals of Valor and a Medal of Merit.

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For More Information: Aliya Wishner | Aliya.Wi shner@indy.gov

City Of Indianapolis

Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC) Releases Police Reform Report

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Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee Logo For Press Release 6.18.20

Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee Releases Police Reform Report

 INDIANAPOLIS (February 3, 2021) – Today, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC) released a report entitled “Police Reform: Equal Treatment of Black Americans,”  This report is the culmination of months of work by a legal Structural Reform Team formed in the summer of 2020 and charged by GIPC to research, benchmark, and make recommendations on the most critical police reforms needed. GIPC formed the Team in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and the awakening to the often years-long hardship experienced by Black people who encounter our criminal justice system.

Among other key findings, the report recommends increasing public access to misconduct investigations, improving police training and certification, and applying new approaches to community policing to mirror effective practices in other cities.

“Our cities cannot advance for some and not for all,” said GIPC Board Chair Mary Chandler, who also leads community relations at Cummins Inc. “U.S. cities are now engaged in a long-overdue reckoning about systemic racism and inequality that have left many Black Americans behind, and Indianapolis is no exception. We must search inward to understand the Black lived experience in our City, and outward to define the policies and actions necessary to achieve racial equality and justice. This was our purpose in convening the Structural Reform Team.”

“GIPC has great respect for the many brave and dedicated police officers who protect and serve our community every day, often in dangerous and complex circumstances. However, we must address the instances of mistreatment and excessive or deadly force experienced by some of our Black citizens in encounters with law enforcement,” said Tony Mason, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Urban League and GIPC Executive Committee Member.

“We see these recommendations as an important step forward in the controversial and complicated civic conversation around policing reform,” added Tiffany Benjamin of the GIPC Executive Committee and Senior Director of Social Impact for Eli Lilly and Company.

As a not-for-profit organization, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee issued the report with the understanding that others will carry this work forward to effectuate meaningful change at the local, state, and federal level.

The Team was chaired by Dean Karen Bravo of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and led by John Gaidoo, Assistant General Counsel of Cummins Inc., and Joe Smith, partner of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath.

The full report can be found at indygipc.org/initiatives/race-and-the-legal-process-working-group/structural-reform-team-recommendations.

CONTACT:
Beth White, GIPC Executive Director |beth.white@indygipc.org

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About the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee

Founded in 1965, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC) is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization that provides a forum in which leaders of the public and private sectors of Indianapolis can work as partners to study, discuss, and address issues of concern and areas of opportunity which affect the progress of the city. Driven by business and civic leaders, GIPC represents the bipartisan alliance that is a continuing example of a public-private partnership in Indianapolis.

Hank Aaron: An Inspiration for All Americans

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NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE: HANK AARON’S GRACE, DIGNITY AND PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE ARE AN INSPIRATION FOR ALL AMERICANS

 NEW YORK (January 22, 2021) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the passing of baseball legend and civil rights icon Hank Aaron:

“The moment when Hank Aaron smacked his 715th career home run into the Braves bullpen at Dodger Stadium was celebrated with fireworks, a standing ovation and a post-game ceremony with Georgia Governor and future President Jimmy Carter. But we must never forget the terrible risk and great personal pain Aaron endured to achieve that moment of progress and pride for Black America.

“He braved the jeers and death threats, not for the glory of his own athletic achievement, but to break down barriers and carry on the legacy of his idol, Jackie Robinson. He continued the fight for equality off the field as well, bringing players of color into the game through the Hank Aaron Rookie League program and creating life-changing opportunity through the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation.

“Retiring as the last Major League player to have played in the Negro Leagues, Aaron’s career can be seen as a symbolic bridge from the dark days of segregation to an era of greater opportunity. His grace, dignity and pursuit of excellence remain an inspiration for all Americans. The National Urban League extends its deepest condolences to his wife, Billye, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Teresa Candori
212-558-5362 | tcandori@nul.org

National Urban League’s Advocacy Leads to Wider Availability of Paycheck Protection Funds

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NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE’S ADVOCACY

LEADS TO WIDER AVAILABILITY OF PAYCHECK PROTECTION FUNDS

NEW YORK (January 13, 2021) – Expanded aid to minority-owned small businesses, including set-asides and early access for minority depository institutions and community development financial institutions, is the result of “unrelenting pressure,” from the National Urban League, President and CEO Marc H. Morial said today.

“The first round of Paycheck Protection Program loans was a disaster for Black-owned businesses,” Morial said. “Even though Black-owned businesses were the hardest-hit by the pandemic, fewer than 2% of the loans went to Black-owned businesses, compared to 83% to white-owned businesses.  We could not allow this inequity to stand.”

The National Urban League worked closely with members of Congress to negotiate a new bill that would specifically target aid to the businesses that need it. Morial credited Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi,  and the members of the Congressional Black Caucus for the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venue Act, which was included in the omnibus spending bill signed last month.

At least $15 billion is being set aside for businesses with 10 or fewer employees and for businesses in  low- or moderate-income neighborhoods, Morial said.  The Small Business Administration is accepting loan applications only from community financial institutions, including minority-owned institutions.

“It’s well known that minority-owned businesses lack the access to capital for their companies that their white counterparts enjoy,” Morial said. “Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, only 1% of Black business owners obtained loans in their founding year, while white business owners were seven times more likely to receive funding.

“I’m optimistic that the changes we fought to include in the program will help to put Black-owned businesses on a more even footing as we work to rebuild a more equitable and inclusive economy,” he added.

The National Urban League will continue to work with the incoming Biden administration to secure targeted funding for Black-owned businesses in the next stimulus package.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Teresa Candori
212-558-5362 | tcandori@nul.org

AAAED Commends the Federal District Court in California for Issuing a Preliminary Injunction in Executive Order 13950 Case

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THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR ACCESS, EQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMENDS THE CALIFORNIA FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT FOR GRANTING A NATIONWIDE PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION TO HALT THE ENFORCEMENT OF PRESIDENT TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDER ON COMBATING RACE AND SEX STEREOTYPING

Organization of equal opportunity and diversity professionals conveys its strong objections about the implications of this Order for Diversity and Inclusion programs

Washington, DC, December 24, 2020 –- – The American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity (AAAED), an organization of equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action professionals, commends the Federal District Court for the Northern District of California for issuing a nationwide preliminary injunction to halt the enforcement of President Trump’s Executive Order 13950 on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping. In Santa Cruz Lesbian and Gay Center v. Trump, Judge Beth Labson Freeman issued a preliminary injunction on the grounds that it was likely that plaintiffs would prevail in their claim that the Order was unconstitutional and a violation of the First and Fifth Amendments.

“As soon as we learned of the Order, handed down on September 22, 2020, we issued a statement condemning the effects of the document on efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in our training programs and those of our members,” said AAAED President Richard Anthony Baker. “We are proud to join our colleagues the National Urban League, the National Fair Housing Alliance and many others who protested the order as an unconstitutional abridgment of free speech. “

“We urge the Biden Administration to take swift action to rescind this unconstitutional mandate that is having a pervasive, chilling effect on efforts by colleges and universities, private industry and government agencies, including federal workers who are dedicated to promote equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion,” said Shirley J. Wilcher, AAAED Executive Director. Since the death of George Floyd, the nation has experienced a resurgent civil rights movement. It is too late to turn the clock back on race and gender relations, access, equity and diversity.”

AAAED is the oldest operating association of professionals in the Equal Opportunity field. For over four decades, AAAED has been a leader in equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity training in higher education, private industry, and government. Its membership includes Equal Opportunity Professionals and institutions that are federal contractors or recipients of grants from federal agencies.

Case No. 20-cv-07741-BLF, SANTA CRUZ LESBIAN AND GAY COMMUNITY CENTER d/b/a THE DIVERSITY CENTER OF SANTA CRUZ, et al., Plaintiffs, v. DONALD J. TRUMP, in his official capacity as President of the United States, et al., Defendants

For a copy of the AAAED Statement on Order 13950, click here: AAAED Statement on EO 13950

For more information about AAAED, go to: www.aaaed.org.

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About AAAED
“Advocate. Educate. Activate”
Founded in 1974 as the American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA), AAAED is a national not-for-profit association of professionals working in the areas of equal opportunity, compliance and diversity. The longest-serving organization of individuals in the equal opportunity and diversity professions, AAAED has 45 years of leadership providing quality professional training to practitioners and promoting understanding and advocacy of affirmative action and other equal opportunity laws.

Lift our voices for social justice. Affirm non-violence. – IUL Statement on Dreasjon Reed Grand Jury Decision

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tony Mason, Indianapolis Urban League, President and CEO
(317) 693-7603 | tmason@indplsul.org

STATEMENT FROM INDIANAPOLIS URBAN LEAGUE
DREASJON REED GRAND JURY DECISION

INDIANAPOLIS (November 11, 2020) – Today, the Indianapolis Urban League is saddened and frustrated with the Grand Jury’s decision not to file criminal charges against the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer who shot and killed 21 year-old Dreasjon Reed on May 6th of this year; citing insufficient evidence. The Reed family remains in the thoughts and prayers of the Urban League and so many in this community.

“The Indianapolis Urban League is vigorously advocating for accountability measures within the ranks of our law enforcement agencies by closely monitoring the rollout of police officer body cameras and the implementation of a majority civilian representation on the Use of Force Review Board. We also stand in unity with the African American Coalition of Indianapolis, other community partners and civic and corporate allies who are also advocating for improved transparency and accountability for police actions in our city.” said Tony Mason, Indianapolis Urban League.

“As we continue to lift our voices for social justice, we must not allow our actions to overshadow our message for accountability and affirm our commitment to non-violent protests.” said Mason.

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About Indianapolis Urban League:
Founded in 1965, the Indianapolis Urban League is a nonprofit, non-partisan, interracial, community-based, human services agency dedicated to assisting African Americans, other minorities and disadvantaged individuals to achieve social and economic equality. Annually, the IUL provides direct services and advocacy in the areas of: education and youth services, economic and workforce development, health and quality of life, civic engagement and leadership, and civil rights and racial justice empowerment. IUL is one of 90 affiliates of the National Urban League serving 300 communities in 36 states and the District of Columbia. For more information visit indplsul.org