NAACP Statement on the Firing of Sanford Police Chief
June 21, 2012(Sanford, FL) – The NAACP released the following statements regarding the decision to fire Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee in the wake of the arrest and charges against George Zimmerman.
From Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the National NAACP:
“Chief Lee was brought in to be a reformer for the Sanford police but, unfortunately for the community, he proved to be otherwise,” Stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous.
From Adora Obi Nweze, President of the Florida State Conference of the NAACP:
“We are pleased that Mr. Lee is no longer leading the police force in Sanford,” stated Florida State Conference President Adora Obi Nweze.” This is an important first step, but a full investigation into the Sanford police by the Department of Justice is needed to ensure there are no more Trayvon Martin cases.”
From Turner Clayton, President of the Seminole County Branch of the NAACP:
“It is important Mr. Lee is no longer leading the Sanford police. The department’s handling of Trayvon Martin’s case is inexcusable,” stated Turner Clayton, President of the Seminole County Branch of the NAACP. “Citizens of Sanford deserve a strong police force serve and protects, not ignores and neglects.”
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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
