The Columbia City Council on Monday discussed the recent death of George Floyd, a black man who died while being detained by a white police officer in Minneapolis, and their commitment to avoiding a similar situation here.
“This violence is unacceptable,” Mayor Brian Treece said. “It is our duty to work to undo systematic institutions of oppression.”
Treece reminded the council of a resolution passed in April 2018 called the principles of community that affirmed the city’s commitment to diversity and racial equality.
Police Chief Geoff Jones spoke about how the nationwide conversation since Floyd’s death has impacted his department.
“Last week, I went to work for the first time and saw police officers angry,” he said. “They’re angry because they agree with the message that there needs to be protests. They’re angry because that’s not how we police in Columbia.”
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