The following is a statement from the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan Executive Director Kary L. Moss regarding the Facebook post of Michigan State Police Director Kriste Etue:
“Today, we call upon Director Kriste Etue to resign immediately to send an unequivocal message that disregard and disdain by law enforcement leaders about racial bias in policing will not be tolerated.
“It is the sworn duty of the Michigan State Police Director to uphold the Constitution, which protects the rights of all people, including the athletes kneeling in protest of police brutality.
“Director Etue, through her original comments and weak apology, has shown a complete disregard for these constitutional principles and the highly relevant concerns of athletes who are protesting. Her comments are even more concerning against the backdrop of a national pattern of law enforcement’s excessive, and sometimes fatal, use of force against people of color as well as MSP’s own strained relationship with communities of color.
“In too many parts of our state, there are two kinds of policing: one to serve and protect white communities and one that unfairly criminalizes communities of color. This is a moment where public leaders should demonstrate behaviors that facilitate dialogue, implement needed reforms, and serve to regain trust. Instead, Director Etue undermined her leadership and may have irreparably damaged MSP's ability to carry out its responsibilities.”