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Minn. lawmakers and police groups criticize U of M award to Communities United Against Police Brutality
Summary
Lawmakers and law enforcement groups told a House committee the University of Minnesota’s selection of Communities United Against Police Brutality for an outstanding community partner award raises concerns about vetting, campus influence and public safety; university staff described the awards process and said the program is being retooled.
The University of Minnesota’s systemwide awards process drew sharp criticism at a Minnesota House committee hearing after the Office for Public Engagement confirmed Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUB) received an Outstanding Community Partner award.
Amber Cameron, director of the university’s Office for Public Engagement, told the committee the office facilitates a systemwide awards process that has recognized community partners since the program began in 1999. Cameron said selection committees evaluate nominations solely on the materials submitted and that both individuals and organizations — formal or informal — have been eligible for the community partner category.
The exchange began when Representative Novotny questioned how, given public statements by CUB’s leader and the group’s letterhead imagery, the organization could be characterized as advancing “positive change.” ‘‘Their letterhead shows what appears to be ... a police officer with a long club beating a person on the ground,’’…
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