Racism, Accountability, and Due Process
Introduction to the Controversy
The recent controversy surrounding the firing of an Oakland police officer has garnered widespread attention, with allegations of repeated social media posts disparaging Black people and Guatemalans[1]. The officer in question, Jocelyn Chang Newman, has denied authoring these posts, which were captured and shared widely on social media[2]. The allegations have raised questions about police accountability and the prevalence of racism within law enforcement agencies[3].
The alleged social media posts made by Newman included repeated use of the N-word and expressed a “hate” for Black people[1]. Additionally, derogatory comments were made about Guatemalans, further fueling accusations of racism and discrimination[4]. These remarks have understandably caused outrage and concern among community members, with many calling for swift action and accountability from law enforcement officials.
Despite the evidence presented, Newman has vehemently denied authoring the controversial social media posts[5][1][6][2][7][1][8][9][10]. She has expressed frustration with how she has been portrayed in the media, stating that “the way I’m being painted is not who I am”[5]. The controversy surrounding Newman’s firing highlights the ongoing need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement, as well as the importance of addressing and confronting issues of racism and discrimination within these organizations.