By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
With promises of reviewing protocol within the Whitewater Police Department and other functions of local municipal government, city officials recently went on record in support of racial justice.
Council President Lynn Binnie recently introduced a resolution in support of fostering an environment promoting racial equity. Binnie’s six elected colleagues on the council supported the document.
Adopting the resolution, Binnie said, is important as he underscored the reality of the makeup of Whitewater’s elected leadership and professional staffers, neither of which are racially diverse.
“Though I believe we have the best of intentions, I believe that it is important for us to fully understand the perspective of people of color who oftentimes have to worry about things that we never have to worry about,” Binnie said.
On the heels of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis in late May, Whitewater — as with many communities across the U.S. — was host to protests against racial injustice.
“We’re grateful that they all have been peaceful,” Binnie said June 16 when he and the council deliberated on the merits of having the resolution and subsequent action plans in place.
More recently, as Floyd’s death became a part of the national discourse, there have been other cases of racial injustice, including the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks by a white Atlanta police officer.
Since then, city officials have reportedly fielded concerns about possible racial injustice within Whitewater, which has been part of the impetus for the review underway.
“It’s time for us to be deliberate about listening and be deliberate about change,” Binnie said.
The adopted resolution — calling on Whitewater to be an affirming, welcoming and inclusive community to people of all backgrounds — includes a number of provisions. Among them is a stipulation that any complaints be thoroughly investigated and that platforms for open dialogue be created.
Moving forward, City Manager Cameron Clapper, Police Chief Aaron Raap and others have openly shared a desire to work collaboratively with organizers and residents to bridge any gaps that are in place.
