NAACP's Detroit chapter calls for MSP director's resignation
(WJBK) - The Detroit chapter of the NAACP is calling for the Michigan State Police director to resign after she shared an image calling NFL players who kneel during the national anthem "degenerates."
"It does not end with her resignation," said Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony of Fellowship Chapel. "If you put another person in her position today you still have not resolved the issues institutionally."
The message shared by Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue calls the players "millionaire ingrates who hate America and disrespect our armed forces and veterans." The posting signed "we the people" also calls the protesters "rich, entitled, ungrateful."
The taking of a knee during the national anthem was started last year by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to draw attention to social inequality and police treatment of blacks.
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The NAACP together with other civil rights groups say the comments highlight a whole culture at Michigan State Police that could be more inclusive.
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They've sent a letter to the governor calling for more change.
"I have a large list of African Americans that applied to become state troopers that call me frequently - how are we moving along in the class action? That were told we can't take you in this year you gotta wait two years for superficial reasons that have nothing to do with the ability to do the job," said attorney Leonard Mungo.
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On top of Col. Etue's resignation, they're asking for more minorities and women to be hired, along with some changing to testing practices which they believe keep minorities from being hired. They say the letter sent October 3 has not yet been answered by the governor.
“Ultimately the only thing that will actually make a real difference is if the culture of law enforcement itself changes," said Mark Fancher with the ACLU.