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University of Minnesota Refuses To Use Police Officers for Events Following George Floyd's Death

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Due to the recent actions of police officers arrested following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota will no longer have any Minneapolis Police Department officers at its events.

University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel sent out a letter Wednesday declaring that the university would no longer associate with the Minneapolis PD and issued “demands for accountability and justice.”

The controversial case garnered national attention after a cellphone video was released showing a handcuffed Floyd cry out “I can’t breathe” while an officer knelt on his neck. Floyd died later that day.

Gabel wrote that the university’s police would only call upon the MPD for joint patrols and certain investigations.

“Our hearts are broken after watching the appalling video capturing the actions of Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) officers against George Floyd leading to his tragic death,” Gabel wrote in the letter.

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The university president went on to announce two changes the school would be making regarding its relationship with the MPD.

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“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,” Gabel wrote.

“Second, I have directed University Police Chief Matt Clark to no longer use the Minneapolis Police Department when specialized services are needed for University events, such as K-9 Explosive detection units.”

Gabel also expressed sadness and outrage over Floyd’s death, sentiments she had also conveyed in a Twitter post on Tuesday.

“I am deeply saddened and angered by the news of George Floyd’s death. My heart goes out to his family and to everyone who is feeling the pain of this loss,” the university president tweeted.

“I stand united with the community in demanding accountability and justice.”

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The police officer who knelt on Floyd’s beck, 44-year-old Derek Chauvin, was fired immediately following the incident along with three other officers.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump called for the FBI and Department of Justice to look into the “very sad and tragic death” of Floyd.

On Friday, Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

According to comments made by Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman on Friday, Chauvin may face even more charges in the next few days.

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Michael wrote for a number of entertainment news outlets before joining The Western Journal in 2020 as a staff reporter. He now manages the writing and reporting teams, overseeing the production of commentary, news and original reporting content.
Michael Austin graduated from Iowa State University in 2019. During his time in college, Michael volunteered as a social media influencer for both PragerU and Live Action. After graduation, he went on to work as a freelance journalist for various entertainment news sites before joining The Western Journal in 2020 as a staff reporter.

Since then, Michael has been promoted to the role of Manager of Writing and Reporting. His responsibilities now include managing and directing the production of commentary, news and original reporting content.
Birthplace
Ames, Iowa
Nationality
American
Education
Iowa State University
Topics of Expertise
Culture, Faith, Politics, Education, Entertainment




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