Center for Justice Research Statement on Chauvin Verdict

Houston, Texas - April 20, 2021 – The Center for Justice Research at Texas Southern University issued the following statement after the guilty verdict of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd on April 20, 2021.

“Today is a sign of historical progress, accountability, and justice for our country and communities of color everywhere that have harbored the unbalanced nature of excessive police force. However, the work is far from over,” said Dr. Howard Henderson, director of the Center for Justice Research. “We need to ensure there is one system of justice for all - regardless of race, class or occupation. We need to adopt education requirements for law enforcement officers, dismantle the qualified immunity doctrine, establish a national policing database, and reallocate funding and power to community-based alternatives. Most importantly, we need to continue the work of adopting evidence-based policies that set a new precedent for police-community relations. A precedence that doesn’t require such surmounting evidence against police misconduct and worldwide protest to increase the likelihood of law enforcement conviction.”

“This verdict does not bring back George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright, Philando Castile, Rayshard Brooks, Tamir Rice, and countless other Black lives that have been unjustly taken from us. However, it does mark a new day – one of self-reflection, re-examination and the tipping point of true reform,” concluded Dr. Henderson.

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