University of Minnesota Severs Ties With Minneapolis PD for Large Events, Including Football
George Floyd’s death continues to spark outrage throughout the country. Floyd’s death was captured on video Monday when Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was shown kneeling on Floyd’s neck as Floyd pleaded for help, stating he couldn’t breathe. Floyd died later that evening as a result. While protests continue throughout Minneapolis and other cities across the country, the University of Minnesota has also taken a stand. The school has stated it has cut ties with the Minneapolis Police Department when it comes to staffing for big events such as football games.
George Floyd’s death
Riots and looting have been a major part of life in Minneapolis the last two days as protesters have turned things up a notch after the death of George Floyd. Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired for their roles in the death of Floyd, including Derek Chauvin, the man who held a handcuffed Floyd down with his knee as he begged for help.
According to a CNN report, Floyd was being arrested after allegedly passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a local store. He was handcuffed and police said he “physically resisted” when he was asked to leave the car. While handcuffed, video showed Floyd on the ground with Chauvin kneeling on his neck.
While Floyd was on the ground, bystanders were begging and yelling for Chauvin to get off his neck. Floyd, himself, was saying he couldn’t breathe. Another officer was shown in the video facing the crowd and not allowing anyone to interfere with the situation.
Floyd’s death draws protests
While parts of Minneapolis was engulfed because of the protests, the family of George Floyd is hoping the protesting can become somewhat peaceful. According to CNN, one person has already been fatally shot near the protests and a person has been arrested. Looting at places like Target has been a common scene.
“I want everybody to be peaceful right now, but people are torn and hurt, because they’re tired of seeing black men die,” George Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, told CNN. “These officers (involved in George’s arrest) need to be arrested right now … and held accountable about everything because these people want justice right now.”
Chauvin has not been arrested. He has been inside his house where protesters have been lined up. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has even questioned why Chauvin hasn’t been arrested. “I’ve wrestled with, more than anything else over the last 36 hours, one fundamental question,” Frey said in the New York Post. “Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail?”
The University of Minnesota takes action
As a result of George Floyd’s death, Joan Gabel, the president of the University of Minnesota, released a statement to students and faculty. In her statement, Gabel said that the school would no longer be contracted with the Minneapolis Police Department when it comes to needing additional staffing for big events, such as football games.
When writing about the death of George Floyd, Gabel wrote, “I do not have the words to fully express my pain and anger and I know that many in our community share those feelings, but also fear for their own safety. This will not stand.”
While saying the community demands accountability and justice, Gabel said she is making two immediate changes regarding the Minneapolis Police Department. “First, I have directed Senior Vice President Brian Burnett to no longer contract with the Minneapolis Police Department for additional law enforcement support needed for large events, such as football games, concerts, and ceremonies. Second, I have directed University Police Chief Matt Clark to no longe ruse the Minneapolis Police Department when specialized services are needed for University events, such as K-9 Explosive detection units.”
