KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Before giving an update on the COVID-19 response in Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday addressed the protests that happened over the weekend in the wake of George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis.
“For too long, we have suppressed or ignored those who are suffering and have asked for our help,” Kelly said at the briefing.
Kelly also said that racial inequality is not new and the protests that happened weren’t sparked solely by police brutality.
“Institutional racism exists throughout our society, our economy and our laws — from our criminal justice system to our educational institutions to our public health infrastructure,” she said. “It’s time for elected leaders in Kansas to acknowledge that we have failed to give this problem the attention that it deserves.”
Kelly said that she believes the majority of Kansas law enforcement is outraged over the tactics used by officers in Minneapolis and has faith that law enforcement officials are willing to help create solutions that will make the community safer.
The governor said she has instructed her team to develop a strategy for how to take action.
“I pledge to Kansans, especially Kansans of color, that I will not allow these injustices to fade into the next media cycle. We’re going to have these tough conversations in our state, we’re going to confront these painful issues and we’re finally going to treat this as if lives depended upon it, because they do," Kelly said.
