IMPD Chief Taylor announces appointments to General Orders Board

INDIANAPOLIS – (February 5, 2021)  Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Chief Randal Taylor announced appointments to the General Orders Board: Bryan Roach and David Robinson.

“These law enforcement professionals represent more than 50 combined years of service to the people of Indianapolis and have been integral in IMPD’s efforts to build community trust and develop police-neighborhood partnerships focused on reducing violence,” said Chief Taylor.“I am confident they will spend their time on the General Orders Board developing the kinds of policies that our community asks of us while also ensuring the women and men of the IMPD are safe and supported.”

Captain David Robinson is a 25-year veteran of IPD/IMPD, and has served in Operations, Internal Affairs, Professional Standards, Special Events, and as the Deputy Chief of Investigations. He has been assigned to the Administration Division since 2017. Captain Robinson is a veteran of the U.S. Army, holds a bachelor’s degree from IUPUI and a master’s degree from the University of Indianapolis.

Bryan Roach served on IPD/IMPD for 28 years, holding every rank, merit and appointed, most recently serving as Chief of Police from 2017 until he retired at the end of 2019. Roach’s tenure as chief was marked by an emphasis on criminal justice reform and a community-focused, grassroots public safety strategy. During this time, he led the return to citywide community-based beat policing and oversaw the creation of the Mobile Crisis Assistance Teams (MCAT) – focused on treating, rather than jailing, individuals suffering from mental health issues – as well as the launch of the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) – which convenes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to identify serial shooters for investigation and prosecution. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Executive Institute and National Academy and was awarded two Medals of Valor and a Medal of Merit.

###

For More Information: Aliya Wishner | Aliya.Wi shner@indy.gov

Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee Releases Police Reform Report

 INDIANAPOLIS (February 3, 2021) – Today, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC) released a report entitled “Police Reform: Equal Treatment of Black Americans,”  This report is the culmination of months of work by a legal Structural Reform Team formed in the summer of 2020 and charged by GIPC to research, benchmark, and make recommendations on the most critical police reforms needed. GIPC formed the Team in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and the awakening to the often years-long hardship experienced by Black people who encounter our criminal justice system.

Among other key findings, the report recommends increasing public access to misconduct investigations, improving police training and certification, and applying new approaches to community policing to mirror effective practices in other cities.

“Our cities cannot advance for some and not for all,” said GIPC Board Chair Mary Chandler, who also leads community relations at Cummins Inc. “U.S. cities are now engaged in a long-overdue reckoning about systemic racism and inequality that have left many Black Americans behind, and Indianapolis is no exception. We must search inward to understand the Black lived experience in our City, and outward to define the policies and actions necessary to achieve racial equality and justice. This was our purpose in convening the Structural Reform Team.”

“GIPC has great respect for the many brave and dedicated police officers who protect and serve our community every day, often in dangerous and complex circumstances. However, we must address the instances of mistreatment and excessive or deadly force experienced by some of our Black citizens in encounters with law enforcement,” said Tony Mason, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Urban League and GIPC Executive Committee Member.

“We see these recommendations as an important step forward in the controversial and complicated civic conversation around policing reform,” added Tiffany Benjamin of the GIPC Executive Committee and Senior Director of Social Impact for Eli Lilly and Company.

As a not-for-profit organization, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee issued the report with the understanding that others will carry this work forward to effectuate meaningful change at the local, state, and federal level.

The Team was chaired by Dean Karen Bravo of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and led by John Gaidoo, Assistant General Counsel of Cummins Inc., and Joe Smith, partner of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath.

The full report can be found at indygipc.org/initiatives/race-and-the-legal-process-working-group/structural-reform-team-recommendations.

CONTACT:
Beth White, GIPC Executive Director |beth.white@indygipc.org

###

About the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee

Founded in 1965, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC) is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization that provides a forum in which leaders of the public and private sectors of Indianapolis can work as partners to study, discuss, and address issues of concern and areas of opportunity which affect the progress of the city. Driven by business and civic leaders, GIPC represents the bipartisan alliance that is a continuing example of a public-private partnership in Indianapolis.

THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR ACCESS, EQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMENDS THE CALIFORNIA FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT FOR GRANTING A NATIONWIDE PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION TO HALT THE ENFORCEMENT OF PRESIDENT TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDER ON COMBATING RACE AND SEX STEREOTYPING

Organization of equal opportunity and diversity professionals conveys its strong objections about the implications of this Order for Diversity and Inclusion programs

Washington, DC, December 24, 2020 –- – The American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity (AAAED), an organization of equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action professionals, commends the Federal District Court for the Northern District of California for issuing a nationwide preliminary injunction to halt the enforcement of President Trump’s Executive Order 13950 on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping. In Santa Cruz Lesbian and Gay Center v. Trump, Judge Beth Labson Freeman issued a preliminary injunction on the grounds that it was likely that plaintiffs would prevail in their claim that the Order was unconstitutional and a violation of the First and Fifth Amendments.

“As soon as we learned of the Order, handed down on September 22, 2020, we issued a statement condemning the effects of the document on efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in our training programs and those of our members,” said AAAED President Richard Anthony Baker. “We are proud to join our colleagues the National Urban League, the National Fair Housing Alliance and many others who protested the order as an unconstitutional abridgment of free speech. “

“We urge the Biden Administration to take swift action to rescind this unconstitutional mandate that is having a pervasive, chilling effect on efforts by colleges and universities, private industry and government agencies, including federal workers who are dedicated to promote equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion,” said Shirley J. Wilcher, AAAED Executive Director. Since the death of George Floyd, the nation has experienced a resurgent civil rights movement. It is too late to turn the clock back on race and gender relations, access, equity and diversity.”

AAAED is the oldest operating association of professionals in the Equal Opportunity field. For over four decades, AAAED has been a leader in equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity training in higher education, private industry, and government. Its membership includes Equal Opportunity Professionals and institutions that are federal contractors or recipients of grants from federal agencies.

Case No. 20-cv-07741-BLF, SANTA CRUZ LESBIAN AND GAY COMMUNITY CENTER d/b/a THE DIVERSITY CENTER OF SANTA CRUZ, et al., Plaintiffs, v. DONALD J. TRUMP, in his official capacity as President of the United States, et al., Defendants

For a copy of the AAAED Statement on Order 13950, click here: AAAED Statement on EO 13950

For more information about AAAED, go to: www.aaaed.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tony Mason, Indianapolis Urban League, President and CEO
(317) 693-7603 | tmason@indplsul.org

STATEMENT FROM INDIANAPOLIS URBAN LEAGUE
DREASJON REED GRAND JURY DECISION

INDIANAPOLIS (November 11, 2020) – Today, the Indianapolis Urban League is saddened and frustrated with the Grand Jury’s decision not to file criminal charges against the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer who shot and killed 21 year-old Dreasjon Reed on May 6th of this year; citing insufficient evidence. The Reed family remains in the thoughts and prayers of the Urban League and so many in this community.

“The Indianapolis Urban League is vigorously advocating for accountability measures within the ranks of our law enforcement agencies by closely monitoring the rollout of police officer body cameras and the implementation of a majority civilian representation on the Use of Force Review Board. We also stand in unity with the African American Coalition of Indianapolis, other community partners and civic and corporate allies who are also advocating for improved transparency and accountability for police actions in our city.” said Tony Mason, Indianapolis Urban League.

“As we continue to lift our voices for social justice, we must not allow our actions to overshadow our message for accountability and affirm our commitment to non-violent protests.” said Mason.

###

About Indianapolis Urban League:
Founded in 1965, the Indianapolis Urban League is a nonprofit, non-partisan, interracial, community-based, human services agency dedicated to assisting African Americans, other minorities and disadvantaged individuals to achieve social and economic equality. Annually, the IUL provides direct services and advocacy in the areas of: education and youth services, economic and workforce development, health and quality of life, civic engagement and leadership, and civil rights and racial justice empowerment. IUL is one of 90 affiliates of the National Urban League serving 300 communities in 36 states and the District of Columbia. For more information visit indplsul.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 28, 2020

CONTACT:
Beth White, GIPC Executive Director
(317) 327-3820 |beth.white@indygipc.org

Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee Launches
Racial Equity Pro Bono Legal Surge Team during National Pro Bono Week and
Seeks Volunteer Lawyers

INDIANAPOLIS – The Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC) has launched a new pro bono initiative through its Race and the Legal Process Working Group to address a pressing need within the Indianapolis community. The COVID-19 pandemic and other pervasive barriers to economic opportunity have had a devastating impact on members of the Black and Brown communities in Indianapolis, as well as on other marginalized people. Looming evictions, unemployment, and economic and family stress are new and emergent threats to an already at-risk population.

The initiative coincides with National Pro Bono Week, which highlights the indelible difference that pro bono lawyers make to our communities and to the clients they serve. As economic conditions worsen, the need for pro bono services is increasing as more people struggle to afford access to an attorney.

GIPC is composed of community leaders and has engaged for over 55 years to improve Indianapolis. In June 2020, GIPC formed the Race and the Legal Process Working Group, led by Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law Dean Karen Bravo to address racial justice and equity issues. A key focus of the Working Group is to provide a surge of attorneys to devote time and expertise to serving members of the Indianapolis community during this critical time.

“The need in our community, especially Black, Latinx and other vulnerable groups affected by COVID-related hardship, is great during this time. We are lucky to have excellent legal aid organizations in Indianapolis, as well as attorneys to help meet the growing demand for legal services,” said Dean Bravo.

GIPC initiated the Pro Bono Legal Services Surge Team to provide immediate, short-term legal assistance to the most vulnerable members of the Indianapolis community. Hon. Myra Selby, former justice of the Indiana Supreme Court and partner at Ice Miller, chairs the Team, which is collaborating with three local legal aid organizations: Indianapolis Legal Aid Society, Indiana Legal Services, and Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic. These organizations have asked for legal services assistance for clients in the areas of eviction, unemployment insurance (administrative law), family law, and tax law.

“I encourage interested lawyers to join our effort,” said Selby. “We’ve been heartened by the Indianapolis community commitment to the principles of racial equity this year. This effort of the legal community stepping up to do their part is one of many examples,” said Mary Chandler, GIPC Chair.

Interested attorneys can take three action steps: (i) complete a Volunteer Lawyer Information Form, available here: <ahref=”http://bit.ly/gipcprobono”>bit.ly/gipcprobono; (ii) personally commit to accepting at least one pro bono matter, if offered, in 2020-2021; and (iii) share the opportunity with attorney colleagues and friends and ask them to make the same commitment. Volunteer attorneys will be matched with one of the three legal aid organizations and will be provided training and support.

About the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee

Founded in 1965, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC) is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization that provides a forum in which leaders of the public and private sectors of Indianapolis can work as partners to study, discuss, and address issues of concern and areas of opportunity which affect the progress of the city. Driven by business and civic leaders, GIPC represents the bipartisan alliance that is a continuing example of public-private partnership in Indianapolis.
###

For Immediate Release
Contact: Tony Mason (317) 693-7603 | tmason@indplsul.org

WISH-TV TO BROADCAST SPECIAL EDITION

OF “All INDIANA POLITICS”

ELECTION PRELUDE WITH
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS DONNA BRAZILE AND MICHAEL STEELE TO JOIN DISCUSSION OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL RACES

INDIANAPOLIS (October 23, 2020) – Tony Mason, Indianapolis Urban League, President & CEO, today announced the Indianapolis Urban League is partnering with WISH-TV for a special, commercial free, hour-long edition of All INdiana Politics to air Wednesday, October 28, at 6:00 p.m., ahead of the 2020 general election.

This special edition of All INdiana Politics will feature Donna Brazile and Michael Steele, national contributors and former heads of the Democratic and Republican National Committees’ respectively. In a point and counter-point discussion, Brazile and Steele will join a discussion of national and local races sharing their common views of the deep divide in which find ourselves in American politics and what we must do to move forward.

Topics to be discussed include, but are not limited to: the economy, social/race issues, voter suppression/early voting, COVID-19 response/CARES act, the Supreme Court, and healthcare.

In addition to national perspective, local contributors John Zody, Indiana Democratic Party chair, and Republican strategist Pete Seat, former communications manager for the Indiana Republican Party and White House press staffer, will offer localized insight and response to the issues discussed.  Zody and Seat will also address statewide races, Indiana election law, and how Hoosiers can work to bridge the ever-widening partisan gap at both the state and national level.

News 8 anchors Brooke Martin and Phil Sanchez will host this special edition with a welcome from Indianapolis Urban League President and CEO, Tony Mason.

“The Indianapolis Urban League is pleased to bring together the nationally recognized expertise of Ms. Brazille and Mr. Steele to the residents of Central Indiana as they finalize their electoral decisions on what could be the most important political presidential race of modern times.

Even as our nation grapples with the unanticipated scourge of the COVID 19 infection, record unemployment and economic displacement, and increased challenges meeting the daily realities of our newly complicated lives, it is more important than ever that all Hoosiers be deliberate in making informed decisions when casting their ballots at all levels of government” said Mason.

“We are very excited to bring Hoosiers this special edition of All INdiana Politics during this important political season,” said Al Carl, WISH-TV news director.  “In particular, this broadcast aims to provide viewers bi-partisan perspective on key national and local issues facing the electorate.  It’s our goal to empower voters with the information they need to cast their ballots decisively.”

###

Donna Brazile:  Veteran Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile is an adjunct professor, author, syndicated columnist, television political commentator, vice chair of voter registration and participation at the Democratic National Committee (DNC), and former interim national chair of the DNC as well as the former chair of the DNC’s Voting Rights Institute.

Michael Steele:  Political analyst, is an MSNBC contributor, radio host, author, writer, former chair of the Republican National Committee, and former lieutenant governor of Maryland – the first African American elected to statewide office there.

All-new, weekly versions of All INdiana Politics can be seen in its regular time period, Sundays at 9:30 a.m. on WISH-TV.

About Indianapolis Urban League:
Founded in 1965, the Indianapolis Urban League is a nonprofit, non-partisan, interracial, community-based, human services agency dedicated to assisting African Americans, other minorities and disadvantaged individuals to achieve social and economic equality. Annually, the IUL provides direct services and advocacy in the areas of: education and youth services, economic and workforce development, health and quality of life, civic engagement and leadership, and civil rights and racial justice empowerment. IUL is one of 90 affiliates of the National Urban League serving 300 communities in 36 states and the District of Columbia. For more information visit indplsul.org

About WISH-TV:
WISH-TV has continued to set the standard for television excellence in Central Indiana, since 1954.  The station has been honored as “Television Station of the Year” by the Indiana Broadcasters Association, for its “Overall Excellence” by the Edward R. Murrow Awards, and as “Outstanding News Operation,” “Outstanding Weather Operation,” “Best Newscast,” and “Best Website” by the Indiana Associated Press Broadcast Association.  WISH-TV offers viewers 77 hours per week of local news and local programming and provides around the clock information on its digital platforms. WISH-TV is locally owned and operated by Circle City Broadcasting and is an affiliate of The CW network. The station serves more than a million households.