Picard Center's Response to National Unrest
As a research center whose mission is to improve the lives of Louisiana’s children and families in the areas of education, health, quality of life, workforce development, and public policy, we recognize the devastating impact and lasting effects recent events have had on our communities and state.
The coronavirus has disrupted important support systems and resources for all of Louisiana’s children and families; however, Black Americans have felt the brunt of the economic, social, and health consequences of the virus. Black Americans make up 33% of Louisiana’s population, yet they account for more than 55% of coronavirus-related deaths. Black children account for 45% of public-school attendees, yet public school responses to school closures have been uneven, with some school districts providing little or no educational support during closures. Many parents and caregivers have lost jobs, leading to financial insecurity and increased economic hardships. As such, many Black children and adults are experiencing increased stress, compounding the already-existing health and mental health inequities that exist outside of the effects of the coronavirus.
Furthermore, we, as a Center, are appalled and saddened by recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and far too many other Black Americans, both far and near. The social injustice reflected and perpetrated through these deaths, in addition to the uneven adverse consequences of the coronavirus, have laid bare, once again, the devastating effects of discrimination, racism, and intolerance. As we continue to witness the blatant and inexcusable barriers to social justice that are experienced by our Black colleagues, friends, and neighbors— every day of their lives—we must not ignore nor stay silent about these conditions.
This is a critical time in our history, especially for Louisiana’s vulnerable children and families. We, at the Picard Center, believe that good research can and should contribute to dismantling the structural and sustained racism that continues to impact the Black American community and all other communities of color. We are committed to learning from and with our partners, collaborators, and community about how to best address these long-standing, insidious issues. The Picard Center pledges to embrace the values of equality and inclusivity, tolerance and diversity, fairness and justice in our work. We are, now more than ever, committed to developing, implementing, and disseminating evidence-based findings and approaches that can inform the critical decisions, policies, and programs that affect Louisiana’s most vulnerable children and families.
