On the Death of George Floyd

A message from the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Dear OAH Employees,
 
George Floyd was the latest black man who fell victim to police brutality. George Floyd’s death last week was a stark reminder that our society is not just. Our nation falls short of the pledge “justice for all.” Some people are freer than others to live, work and move about in our communities. Some, as with George Floyd, die because of the strangle hold of discrimination and prejudice that infect our institutions of power and privilege.
 
If you haven’t already, please read Governor Inslee’s message to all state employees yesterday; it is a call to action for all of us. There is still much work to be done to combat systemic racism in our society. There is still much to be done for us to be catalysts of positive change for a more just and equitable society.
 
Our brothers and sisters in the Black community need us. We can show our support in different ways. It’s your personal choice how you choose to express your support. In state government, there is a resource group for state employees called BUILD, Blacks United in Leadership & Diversity. 
 
See below for BUILD’s statement on George Floyd’s death. There is a general membership meeting on June 18, 9 – 11:30 a.m. that is open to everyone. If you are interested in attending this virtual meeting, please work with your supervisor to make arrangements for your work activities so that you can attend the meeting.  
 
Sincerely,
 
Lorraine
Lorraine Lee
Chief Administrative Law Judge