ATLANTA – Today, the ACLU of Georgia delivered a letter to Governor Brian Kemp and Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Commissioner Kathleen Toomey offering its staff as a resource in the state’s work to develop a response plan that protects the health, safety, and civil liberties of all people present in Georgia.
“Any response to the coronavirus should be grounded in science and public health,” said Andrea Young, executive director of the ACLU of Georgia. “We are glad to discuss with the governor and commissioner how they can keep the public safe while preserving the liberties that are the foundation of American ideals and our democratic system of government.”
The ACLU of Georgia encourages the governor and commissioner to
- ensure that any limitations on people’s movements are supported by science and proportional to the threat,
- keep the public informed with accurate, timely information.
- protect vulnerable populations,
- protect people under government control,
- ensure that everyone feel safe getting tested regardless of their immigration status, and
- ensure that people who are sick can afford to stay home.
While the Governor's Office accepted the hand delivery of this letter, the Commissioner's office refused. As a result, we have sent it via email to [email protected].
Media contact: Ana Maria Rosato [email protected]