Cheryl Grant, a Cincinnati attorney hired by the city, released herfindings to the Fayetteville City Council Tuesday night after months ofstudy and speculation. Grant said she found no proof of racism in the citypolice department.
"I can say with some reasonable degree of certainty the city did not commit acts of intentional racism," said Grant.
There were mixed reactions from city residents. Some people felt the report needed to go even further. Other people felt it was honest and right onthe mark. But everyone agreed that it has divided the city.
Those who voted to look into racism within the police department grilledGrant, but her story didn't change. She would only go as far to say thatthe department did not handle inquiries into racial problems well. Theprice tag for the report was $50,000.
Some people felt the report was a waste of money.
Others were pleased with Grant's report.
It appeared that people on both sides of the heated debate now want thesame thing.
"Let me know what we need to do to bring this community back together," said James Smith, City Council member.
"Where are we going from today, forward," said Raymond Shipman, NAACPdirector. "So therefore, if everyone puts their positive hat on, thinkspositive, then positive things will happen."
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