Chicago: Groups address police brutality

by Yasmin Nair

Edge Chicago, IL

Chicago recently became a finalist in its bid to host the 2016 Olympics. An umbrella group of local activist organizations and Amnesty International USA ( AIUSA ) is using this media attention to highlight Chicago police brutality. At a June 19 press conference outside Mayor Daley’s office and an evening community forum at the Broadway United Methodist Church in Boystown, the group argued that Chicago did not have a right to host the Olympics given its record on police brutality, especially towards members of the LGBTQ community. Sponsors of the events included queer groups Amigas Latinas, Equality Illinois, and Gay Liberation Network.

A central case is that of Alexander Ruppert, a gay man who alleges that he was severely beaten by police officers in June 2006. Ruppert received 16 stitches to his left eye, and his injuries, photos of which were displayed prominently at the press conference, include a fractured nose. Ruppert could not be present because of his medical condition, and was represented by his attorney Jon Erickson.

According to Robert Schultz, a field organizer for AIUSA, the Ruppert case is only one of many which create a "pattern of abuse" against LGBTQ people. Wendy Park, of the American Civil Liberties Union, called for "meaningful reform." This includes changing a police union contract provision which prevents the Independent Police Review Authority from investigating anonymous complaints about "anything short of criminal conduct" on the part of police officers, even though anonymous citizen complaints against citizens are routinely addressed. Schultz said that "Chicago is a global city and we take pride in that- but that brings responsibilities and obligations. One is the rule of law, which should apply to both police and civilians."

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