With the recent tragic deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, people all around the world are urging New York State to repeal statute 50-A. Among them are artists including Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Migos, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Megan Thee Stallion.

Celebrities have signed an open letter to urge New York State to stop shielding police disciplinary records from the public. The letter came out in the midst of worldwide protests over George Floyd's killing by the police. The letter will be sent to Governor Andrew Cuomo, along with New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

In the letter it says:

""We mourn the killing of George Floyd and the unnecessary loss of so many black lives before his. We must hold accountable those who violate the oath to protect and serve, and find justice for those who are victim to their violence. An indispensable step is having access to disciplinary records of law enforcement officers. New York statute 50-A blocks that full transparency, shielding a history of police misconduct from public scrutiny, making it harder to seek justice and bring about reform. It must be repealed immediately. 50-A has been used far too often in the past and, without repeal, it will continue to be used to block justice. When the Legislature returns this week, we urge members to recognize the moment, take one loud, bold, and meaningful step in addressing this systemic problem, and swiftly repeal 50-A."

At such a difficult time, celebrities are using their platforms and titles as a way to impact and change the world for the better.