STATEMENT FROM THE GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP

The Greater Houston Partnership condemns the actions of the violent mob that stormed the Capitol last week and struck at the very heart of our democracy. 

The right to peacefully protest is a fundamental protection granted by the Constitution. This right is not conditional. The rioters, however, divested their free speech rights at the first strike of violence and should be prosecuted. We cannot and do not condone in any way the actions that occurred.

The Partnership expresses its sympathy to the family of Capital Officer Sicknick, who died in the line of duty, and conveys its wishes for a speedy recovery to the other public safety officials injured in Wednesday’s rioting.

The Partnership expects leaders at all levels of government to do everything in their power to quell the violence and to avoid further inflaming the public with overheated rhetoric regarding the recent election.  The orderly transfer of power is a hallmark of our democracy, the significance of which should never be forgotten or ignored for personal or partisan gain.

Given the Partnership’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is important that we also speak against the racial and antisemitic animus so blatantly on display in the nation's capital during last week's attack.  The despicable words and deeds vividly demonstrate, once again, that issues of race continue to divide us. This moment points to the importance of the Greater Houston Partnership and our member companies taking a critical stand to reform systems of bias, advocate inclusion, and remove barriers and to remain steadfast in that work.