It seems that a police officer’s vow to “Protect & Serve” is a conditional notion, at least that what the case seems to be in Santa Clara, California. The police union has declared their presence will be missed at the San Francisco 49ers’ home games if nothing is done about Colin Kaepernick.
Beginning in the NFL pre-season, quarterback Colin Kaepernick made the decision to sit out the national anthem at football games in protest of police brutality and racial injustice in the United States.
At the inception of the controversy, Santa Clara officers expressed their support, “In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem
Now, in a letter authored by members of the union, officer threatened that if nothing is done about Kaepernick, “it could result in police officers choosing not to work at your facilities.”
At home games, the presence of approximately 70 Santa Clara police officers is typical.
“The board of directors of the Santa Clara Police Officer’s Association has a duty to protect its members and work to make all of their workings environments free of harassing behavior,” wrote the letter.
In addition to Kaepernick’s protest and remarks in regard to police brutality, Kaepernick’s fashion sense has been a topic of discussion as he was spotted sporting socks with pigs dressed up in uniform, further inciting a negative response from members of law enforcement.
“You have people that practice law and our lawyers and go to school for eight years, but you can become a cop in six months and don’t have to have the same amount of training as a cosmetologist,” said Kaepernick.
Since the topic ca e to light, Kaepernick has received support from veterans and members of communities of color, specifically the Black community.
He has since pledged to donate $1 million to community organizations relevant to the fight for justice.
