MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Orchestra is just the latest organization to cut ties with the Minneapolis Police Department after the death of George Floyd while in the custody of officers.
In a Twitter post Friday the orchestra said it is restructuring security staffing and will no longer have Minneapolis officers providing security at concerts and events "until the MPD implements fundamental changes."
The tweet does say exceptions may be made when government regulations mandate a police presence.
In another post the Minnesota Orchestra emphasized that good music teaches the value of listening, and that is increasingly important in the community on other levels. "There is more for us to hear and more for us to do. The Minnesota Orchestra is committed to recognizing racial injustice in our organization, industry and community and to advancing the change that has to happen."
Both the Minneapolis Institute of Art and First Avenue announced on their social media platforms last week that they will not be contracting off-duty officers from MPD.
An Instagram post from MIA reads: Mia has suspended its practice of contracting off-duty Minneapolis Police Department officers.
The music venue First Avenue released a statement on their Twitter account that reads: The safety of our guests, artists, and staff is paramount. For that reason, First Avenue Productions will not contract security with off-duty officers through the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD).
We will instead work with local organizations who represent our community, and who will protect and affirm Black and Brown lives.The murder of George Floyd has made it abundantly clear that the presence of off-duty MPD officers at our events will not guarantee the safety of our patrons and does not support our community or our values as an organization.
The announcements come a day after Minneapolis Public Schools voted unanimously to terminate their contract with the Minneapolis Police Department.
