Lawyers representing Chicago Police Department members accused of being racist for opposing a building project say the accusations are false and are a constitutional rights violation.
According to a letter from Gottreich Grace & Thompson Attorneys a Law addressed to the 45th Ward Alderman John Arena, Arena staff members want disciplinary actions taken against CPD members “due to alleged racially charged remarks.”
The attorney letter states the officers’ “opposition is not race based or discriminatory.” The officers oppose the building for reasons such as overcrowding in the area, traffic congestion and lack of infrastructure.
“Their arguments are rational, well-reasoned, and articulate,” the attorney letter reads. “These officers live and work in our community and in your ward. They were off duty and acted not as police officers or state actors but as concerned citizens exercising their right to the freedom of speech and assembly.”
The letter says the opposition is “race neutral.”
“We urge you to immediately retract these complaints and publically apologize to these officers to avoid serious penalties and further damage to your credibility,” the letter said.
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