White mayor refuses to remove ‘Black Lives Matter’ banner from City Hall, angers police union

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

The local police union asked the Massachusetts mayor to remove a Black Lives Matter banner from City Hall, and he refused. The banner has been hanging since August 2015.

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According to USA Today, the Somerville Police Employee’s Association sent a letter to Mayor Joseph Curtatone asking for the banner to be removed and instead put up an “All Lives Matter” banner.

“It is inconceivable to us as it is demoralizing that our city would propagate its support for this movement while standing silent over the seemingly daily protest assassinations of innocent police officers around the country,” said Michael McGrath, the union’s president.

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The mayor released this statement: “My unwavering support for our police officers does not and cannot preempt our commitment addressing systemic racism in our nation. The City of Somerville stands against all violence and all injustice, which is why a Black Lives Matter banner hangs at City Hall and why a banner in honor of the slain officers is hanging at Somerville Police Headquarters where it would provide the most moral support to our officers — both on my order.

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It appears that all police in the town don’t necessarily feel the same way as the union. Somerville Police Chief David Fallon said he is “100% behind” the mayor’s decision. “We support the city’s initiatives,” Fallon said.

USA Reported that the police chief is scheduling a meeting with the mayor in regards to the banner. We will keep you posted on any news.

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