By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Greenfield, MA) Update – Residents gathered in front of Greenfield City Hall Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. to speak out against racism and the Greenfield Police Department. There were chants of “No justice, no peace, no racist police.” Many brought signs with phrases like “End Racism In Greenfield,” “Remove Haigh,” “Not In Our Town,” “Racism Harms Everyone,” and “Justice For All, Not Just Some.”
Rachel Gordon, of Greenfield, spoke as the organizer of the protest. Gordon demanded accountability, a trustworthy police chief, and “real investigation” of the Greenfield Police Department. Gordon also said they are “not going to get quiet or go away,” noting that Mayor Wedegartner is up for reelection in November 2023 and inciting a chant of “We’ll remember next November.”
The Mayor released a statement during the protest. She said;
“These citizens are exercising their right to assemble, express their opinion and petition their government. That’s a good thing. I even agree with them. Seeking accountability and having a discussion about racism are worthy efforts. That’s why I have asked the City Council for funding of a police department audit which, among other things, is focused on the question of whether or not there is systemic racism in the department. Along with the audit there will be a task force of citizens who will help inform the auditors and ultimately work with the Greenfield Police Department, where possible, to implement recommendations from the audit. So, I hope these same citizens will demand that the Council fund this effort.
“In the next few months, I will seek to have the city host a discussion of racism within our community that is guided by trained facilitators. I expect to see these same people attending those discussions. Otherwise, what have they done to be part of the solution?”
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Greenfield Residents are gathering at City Hall Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. to protest the Mayor’s reinstatement of Police Chief Robert Haigh. The organizers of the protest describe the purpose of the event is to “demand accountability and racial justice in Greenfield” according to the Facebook event page.
Neither Chief Haigh nor Mayor Wedegartner have given comment in regards to outcry against the chief’s reinstatement. However, both Chief Haigh and Lieutenant Todd Dodge are expected to come before City Council at the September 21st Council meeting to discuss how they plan to work together to ensure the Greenfield Police Department is building back trust and morale within the community according to Mayor Wedegartner. Mayor Wedegartner also hinted that the public can expect a statement to be coming soon after the police chief and Lt. Dodge speak to City Council.