May 2020

The Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights Commission (MCCR) and the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights are committed to upholding the civil rights of the people of Minneapolis.

The City Ordinance we have sworn an oath to uphold specifically states that discrimination adversely affects the health, welfare, peace and safety of the community by degrading individuals, and fostering intolerance and hate.

While this ordinance is designed to protect everyone, long-standing practices oftentimes make it so that some members of the community do not derive the same benefits as others. The actions we’ve witnessed towards a member of our own community on May 25, 2020 is one such incident.  

It has moved us to speak out in defense of anyone who would be victimized by the very institutions we count on to create a safer, more just community for all of us. In the last two days, we have received numerous calls and emails worldwide — offering support...and a call for justice in the wake of the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. George Floyd should be alive today — enjoying the love of his family and doing the things that brought him joy. 

The circumstances surrounding George Floyd’s death are currently being reviewed by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

• The FBI will forward its findings to the U.S. Attorney to determine if the actions against Mr. Floyd violated his civil rights.
• The BCA will forward its findings to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, separately, to allow County Attorney Mike Freeman to determine if criminal charges will be brought against the individuals who caused Mr. Floyd’s death.

The Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights ’Office of Police Conduct Review has received numerous inquiries from the community and will be issuing responses in the coming days. The Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights is in communication with several of our elected officials, community members and organizations, and will continue to closely monitor the case. We appreciate the show of solidarity from the City of Saint Paul's Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Commission.

We invite you to continue to reach out to us and share your comments and voice your concerns. The MCCR meets every third Monday of the month at 6:00 pm.

In Peace and Love,

Velma Korbel                     
Director, Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights

Anika Robbins
President & CEO, The Anika Foundation
Chair, Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights