Beyond Assumptions event on Dec. 4 at Macalester College
ST. PAUL, MN - Minnesota's Human Rights week will feature a community event, "Beyond Assumptions: Police-Community Relations," to discuss best practices in police community relations and racial bias in law enforcement.
Beyond Assumptions is co-hosted by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and Macalester College as part of the Minnesota Human Rights week Dec. 3 to Dec. 10. The event will feature discussions on racial bias in law enforcement and best practices in police community relations.
Panelists United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota Andrew Luger , Saint Paul Police Chief Tom Smith and Mr. Mohamed Farah, Executive Director Ka Joog, a community development program focusing on the enrichment of Somali-American youth in Minnesota, will discuss effective police community relations and the importance of outreach efforts in ensuring effective neighborhood policing and community health. William Mitchell College of Law Professor Sarah Deer, a recent MacArthur Foundation Fellowship "Genius Grant" recipient will discuss racial bias in law enforcement.
"Beyond Assumptions is an opportunity to discuss issues and solutions regarding police and community relations that is not limited to any one community or jurisdiction," Commissioner Kevin Lindsey said. "Building trust, opening doors and discussing the barriers that limit community engagement with government is essential to building strong communities."
The Saint Paul/Minneapolis area is one of three cities, including Boston and Los Angeles, chosen by a partnership of the United State Department of Justice, the White House, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Counterterrorism Center for a pilot program to create a national model of comprehensive local strategies to improve community engagement, strengthen community resiliency, and - ultimately - to build a broad network of community partnerships to keep our nation safe.
For more information about Minnesota Human Rights week, visit www.mn.gov/mdhr or follow the conversation on Twitter at @mnhumanrights.
Date: Dec. 4, 2014
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Event Location:
Macalester College
Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center
John B. Davis Lecture Hall
The corner of Snelling and Grand Ave.
St. Paul, Mn, 55105
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Contact: Christine Dufour at 651-539-1118
or Christine.Dufour@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Human Rights, Communications Department
Freeman Building, 625 Robert Street North, Saint Paul, MN 55155