When George Floyd was murdered five years ago by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, his killing ignited global outrage and led to calls for racial reckoning and police reform. Many corporations, large and small, stood in solidarity with protesters and made pledges to improve diversity and equity. However, since Trump took office for a second term, his administration has launched an outright attack on civil rights, working to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and policies that were put in place following George Floyd’s murder.
Trump has also taken aim at several news outlets, many of which have come under fire for their critical reporting of the president. Now, many of these outlets appear to be softening their stance on many key issues to avoid further criticism by the administration and conservative outlets.
Dr. Phillip Atiba Solomon, CEO of the Center for Policing Equity (CPE) and Chair, and Carl I. Hovland Professor of African American Studies and Professor of Psychology at Yale University noted his skepticism of news coverage ahead of the anniversary:
“I am concerned that there will be a lot of stories making assumptions about what the effects of what happened with George Floyd’s death have been,” he said. “I would hope that we are a changed country, but I’m not sure what I would point to say that’s definitely true.”
Read the full article on the Los Angeles Times website.