The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) is in discussions with Michigan Attorney General, Dana Nessel, over an effort to examine the Grand Rapids Police Department and determine whether it has engaged in a pattern and practice of discrimination and disparate treatment. The news comes two weeks after the death of 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya, a Black man who was fatally shot in the back of the head by a White GRPD officer during a traffic stop on April 4.
"We welcome the discussions with Attorney General Dana Nessel and look forward to a potential collaboration. The residents of Grand Rapids deserve to know that the state of Michigan takes seriously their right to equal treatment under the law," MDCR Director, John E. Johnson, said in a statement.
Nessel’s press secretary told WGVU, the Attorney General is committed to putting full resources of her office behind this effort.
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights or MDCR is the operational arm of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. It’s charged with investigating and resolving discrimination complaints, and preventing discrimination from occurring. The department also provides training and services to government agencies, businesses, schools and organizations on diversity initiatives, fair housing and equal employment law.