BALTIMORE, MD — Robin Murphy, Executive Director of Disability Rights Maryland (DRM), has been appointed to serve on the Maryland Attorney General’s COVID-19 Access to Justice Task Force, a partnership between the Maryland Office of the Attorney General and the Maryland Access to Justice Commission. The prestigious 51- member Task Force will work to ensure Marylanders’ access to a just, fair, and equitable civil justice system as the state grapples with the fallout of COVID-19.
In a virtual press conference on June 11, 2020, Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced the launch of the COVID-19 Access to Justice Task Force. Bringing together high-level and diverse leaders with expertise in a myriad of sectors, including the judiciary, federal and state legislative branches, health, disaster recovery, business, government, and others, the Task Force is charged with confronting the COVID-19 challenge with innovative solutions and commitment to implementation.
DRM applauds the Attorney General’s and the Access to Justice Commission’s initiative. “Maryland communities directly served by DRM,” Murphy stated, “have been disproportionately struck and suffered the effects of the pandemic. A negative impact is compounded when a disability intersects with other identities such as race. Recent events testify to the enduring impact of institutionalized and structural racism in our country.” She added, “Just as communities of color have been inordinately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, so too are Black, Hispanic, and Native American families disproportionately affected by the systemic gaps in the civil justice system. This Task Force will work to bridge those gaps and secure the stability of Maryland families in the wake of COVID-19.”
As the Task Force works to correct inequities in Maryland’s civil justice system, DRM will continue its mandate to protect the equal rights and the full inclusion of Marylanders with disabilities during the ongoing health crisis.
“I look forward to participating in the Task Force as we develop concrete steps that can be taken to ensure full inclusion and equity for all.” Murphy said.
###
