By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Leverett, MA) Leverett announced last week the creation of a social justice committee, meant to explore and recommend action steps for the Leverett Police Department, elementary schools, and town government. In a recent statement, the Leverett Select Board acknowledged systematic racism in America and the plight of Black Americans.
“Black people have been a special target for police brutality for the entire history of America,” the board said in the statement. “Black lives have literally been looted – plundered for economic value and treated as disposable otherwise.”
Although the board said they are not aware of any instances of police brutality in Leverett, they believe they have an obligation to learn about racism in America and are open to discussion from the community about Leverett in particular, and what might be have led to the absence of police brutality in that location. Refereeing to racism as a structural problem that impacts the entire nation, the Select Board referenced the need for recognition of the factors that contribute to police brutality.
“It is part and parcel of the long historical use of police to enforce economic and political systems based on wealth extraction and domination not a privileged category of whites,” said the Select Board in the statement.
To read the statement in its entirety click here.