NAACP President and CEO Reacts to DOJ Findings of Civil Rights Violations by Minneapolis Police Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2023
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON – Today, following a years-long investigation, the Department of Justice issued their report on the Minneapolis Police Department. The report found that discriminatory patterns and practices of misconduct administered by the MPD prior to the tragic death of George Floyd in 2020 directly violated the U.S. Constitution and federal law. NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement demanding that Minnesota elected leaders and Congressional lawmakers implement police reform:
"The findings in this report from the Justice Department provide evidence of what Black Americans have, and continue to live through — in its current form, the law enforcement system does everything but 'serve and protect' us. More than three years after George Floyd's murder, we are still experiencing a system of slaps on the wrist, winks, warnings, and blind eyes. One bad apple may not spoil the bunch, but a bunch of bad apples are indicative of a rotten root.
The fact of the matter is, our elected leaders have the power to stop the cycle of brutality and violence and put their money where their mouth is when it comes to valuing Black life. The NAACP continues to demand the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. If elected officials truly want to honor the lives of brutalized Black Americans such as George Floyd, Philando Castile, and Breonna Taylor, they must do everything in their power to break the pervasive pattern of discriminatory, unlawful, violent conduct from law enforcement. We are done living a nightmare. We are done dying. The time to act is now. Do your jobs."
Findings detailed in the report include supporting evidence to corroborate the fact that the Minneapolis Police Department unlawfully discriminates against Black people and Native American people in its enforcement activities, including the use of force following stops. Despite numerous warnings, the City of Minneapolis and the MPD refuse to enact reform.
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ABOUT NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.