(New York, NY, Wednesday, May 18, 2022) – The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (“WBASNY”) condemns acts of violence, racism, and bigotry against all New Yorkers, and we stand with the Black community of Buffalo after the heinous shooting that killed ten innocent New Yorkers and injured three others on May 14, 2022. Apparently, the alleged white supremacist who opened fire in the supermarket embraced the racist and anti-Semitic “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory, the same white-supremist theory that inspired the shooters in Charleston, Pittsburgh, Poway, and El Paso. All of those who espouse such hateful bile should be condemned.

The promise of the American Dream includes freedom and justice for all. WBASNY condemns hate, prejudice, and racism in all forms; this is at the core of our mission. We need to call out hateful views as they are the source of hateful actions.

WBASNY extends its thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims of this horrific hate crime. We stand in solidarity with the Black community at this difficult time. The African diaspora has significantly contributed to and helped to form the American fabric for centuries. The diversity of the American people is what makes our country great. We should not pay lip service to the ideas of diversity and inclusivity, but make them a part of our norm. WBASNY pledges to continue to stand with the Black community in solidarity in the United States. End the hate! Stop the violence!

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The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY) is the professional membership organization of choice for more than 4,000 attorneys throughout New York State, and the largest statewide women’s bar association in the country. For four decades, WBASNY has been a singularly important resource for women lawyers, with professional networking, continuing legal education programming, leadership training, and advocacy for the rights of women, children, and families. Through involvement with WBASNY’s 20 regional chapters and its 40-plus substantive law committees, WBASNY’s members collaborate with one another on a variety of issues and perform public and community service, in furtherance of its mission to promote the advancement of the status of women in society and women in the legal profession; to promote the fair and equal administration of justice; and to act as a unified voice for its members with respect to issues of statewide, national and international significance to women generally and women attorneys in particular. WBASNY holds United Nations NGO status with the U.N.’s Department of Public Information, and Special Consultative status in association with the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). WBASNY is also a founding member of the National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations.