KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Michigan State Police (MSP) in Southwest Michigan are the latest governmental entity to discover that racial inequity appears to be baked into their policies and practices.
A recent study found Troopers are far more likely to pull over minority drivers for citations, searches and arrests.
In recent years, Kalamazoo Public Safety learned this with their own study. This year, plans to begin rooting out systemic racism throughout all city departments will be implemented.
City Manager Jim Ritsema says the money has been budgeted and the staff is in place, adding that the problem is real and pervasive.
“This commitment begins with understanding and acknowledging the truth of our past, and the harms that the City of Kalamazoo has historically played in creating and sustaining systemic racism.”
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Dorla Bonner will head up the effort, which began two years ago with preliminary work that she says is attracting attention from other communities nationwide.
“[We are] Following best practices and blazing trails that have not been blazed before anywhere,” Bonner said. “And so we could be proud of ourselves.”
The immediate plan is to start collecting data so they know what they are dealing with, and know what needs fixing.
— Copy written by John McNeil —
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