Contact: Nicole Julius, Communications Director 202-225-5802 Nicole.Julius@mail.house.

gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congresswoman Lawrence on Michigan State Police Director-
Its Time for a Change
September 29, 2017 | Press Release

Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) issued the following statement
on Michigan State Police Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etues statement on Facebook concerning
National Football League (NFL) protests against inequality and racial injustice:
A statement posted on Etues Facebook page referenced the recent NFL protests and referred to
those players in a manner that was extremely offensive, ill-informed, and grossly unfitting of
anyone in our police force, let alone the state Police Director. Etues actions were not only
inappropriate, but a disturbing indicator of the lack of unbiased judgement that is required from
law enforcement leadership.
The very point and purpose behind the NFL players taking a knee is to protest police brutality
and to bring awareness to racial injustice. While most of our police force truly serve, protect and
respect their communities; racial disparities in the criminal justice system which
disproportionately affect African Americans is a very real issue in this country and in the state of
Michigan. Etues actions demonstrated that she is unaware or unmoved by the sense of outrage,
vulnerability and fear among minorities toward the criminal justice system.
Etues expressions through the open space of her social media page calls into question her
judgment and ability to fairly and justly perform her duties as the Director of Police when much
of her words and actions in her professional capacity are far less public. This is very concerning.
The people of Michigan deserve law enforcement officers who embody the motto to serve and
protect. They deserve law enforcement leadership who can help to improve police-community
relations, not further divide.
While Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue did apologize for posting to her Facebook page, her
apology was not an admission of wrongdoing nor for spreading these judgmental and ill-willed
comments. This behavior is far from what we should ever expect or tolerate from Michigans
Police Director whose standard should be of the highest moral character. There are times when
change is inevitable; and there are times when change is imperative. Its time for a change.
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