Black Lives Matter Statement

Since its founding in 1947, LERA has promoted the exchange of ideas and open dialogue. Today, we must speak out and condemn the systemic, institutional racism that routinely deprives people of color in the United States their freedom of expression — and their very lives. Over and over in recent years, we have seen unarmed Black men and women killed by police officers and vigilantes. Tragically, the use of lethal force against our minority communities has a long history in the United States; George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor are simply the latest victims. Black Lives Matter.  It is the most egregious example of discrimination in our society, but not the only. LERA stands with everyone across the country and around the world calling for change, demanding justice and equality for all.