In a statement released on its Twitter account, the Minnesota Orchestra stated that there is more for them to hear and do in “advancing the change that must happen to make our community more equitable and just.”
“The killing of George Floyd marks a turning point for our organization, and we join with other community members in calling for transformational changes in the Minneapolis Police Department. Specifically: We join with the Twin Cities Musicians Union in calling for the resignation of the president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, Bob Kroll,” the group stated.
“We are restructuring our security staff and will no longer engage Minneapolis Police Department officers to provide security at Orchestra concerts until the MPD implements fundamental changes,” it stated, adding that a police presence will be needed where mandated by the government.
Kroll, a union leader who represents over 800 officers in Minneapolis, was also criticized by the Minnesota American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, which said in a statement that Kroll had a history of “complaints of violence made against him.”
“He advocates for military-style police tactics making communities less safe and the police force more deadly. Despite his conduct, Kroll was reelected with an overwhelming majority. If Bob Kroll does not value the lives that he is sworn to protect, then we can only expect more death under his leadership” the Minnesota AFL-CIO stated.
Newsweek reached out to the Minneapolis Police Department for comments but did not receive a response back in time for publication. It also was unable to reach out to Kroll through the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis’ website and phone number.
The Twins Cities Musicians Union echoed the sentiments of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, stating that “the proper respect for all people cannot be served with misguided and alienating leadership.”
The Minnesota Orchestra also stated they would combat their own “white privilege” in their own organization.
“We have recently begun a process to reduce our reliance on and reproduction of white privilege and to disrupt our own role in systemic racism. The security restructuring will be one part of that process. We are committed to advancing the change that has to happen,” they stated.
Minneapolis public schools, as well as the city’s parks, cut ties with the MPD earlier this week. Jenney Arenson, the vice chair of the Minneapolis Board of Education, said Tuesday that George Floyd “died on the street slowly and deliberately,” and the city’s children watched.
“Minneapolis police, individual officers, and the city have work to do. And until they demonstrate the have done that work, we need to separate our relationship,” Arenson said.
