CPT Commitment to Equity

Many are hurt, angered and even fearful after seeing videos of the senseless, murderous acts resulting in the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and others. At the NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT), we too are very bothered by these activities. As an organization focused on ethics and leadership, we are extremely disappointed by the unethical and criminal behavior exposed. Please note, we are committed to standing against systemic racism alongside our African American stakeholders, family and friends. 

We believe it is no longer acceptable for any of us who disagree with racist behavior to be quiet bystanders or to ignore the unjust behavior plaguing our nation. The recent incidents are extreme cases of a broader, systemic issue in our society. If we are being honest with ourselves, we have seen incidents in business or other areas of life, where people were treated unfairly, because of their race. We should do everything within our ability to end this injustice. After all, such actions may not be illegal, but are unethical.

To positively impact what we can, the CPT is committed to the following:

• Creating opportunities for healthy, and possibly difficult, conversations for diverse individuals to discuss ways the CPT can help create positive change within our organization and within our communities.
• Collaborating with strategic partners to help identify and fight against inequities in business.
• Making deliberate efforts to prevent racist behavior anywhere in our network, by creating a process where such behavior can be reported and investigated.
• Providing training programs focused on unconscious bias and the mitigation of unethical, discriminatory behavior.

We recognize that alone, the CPT cannot change the unethical practice of oppression. However, we acknowledge the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., when he wrote from the Birmingham jail, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.” The CPT is committed to playing our part to enact positive change. We urge you to join us.

Alfonzo Alexander

President