YWCA Minneapolis Statement on Withdrawal of Federal Consent Decree

As we mark five years since the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, we pause to honor his life, grieve the deep injustice of his death and recommit ourselves to the fight for racial justice. What happened in our city reverberated across the world—and continues to shape our collective movement for equity and human dignity.

In the midst of a global pandemic that disproportionately affected communities of color, we stood in grief, anger and determination. We joined with YWCA St. Paul and YWCA USA to condemn police brutality and call for systemic change. And as anger spilled into the streets, we opened our doors and partnered with local organizations to collect and distribute food and basic supplies to community residents from our Midtown location.

That moment called us to act, and it continues to call us forward. At YWCA Minneapolis, we believe change begins with truth, courage, and community. George Floyd’s legacy reminds us that dismantling racism is not the work of a moment—it’s the work of a lifetime.

In June 2023, a U.S. Department of Justice investigation report confirmed what many in our community have long known: the Minneapolis Police Department engaged in a pattern of using unjustified deadly force, unlawfully discriminated against Black and Native American people, violated free-speech rights and caused harm and even death when responding to behavioral health crises. As a result, Minneapolis and the Justice Department entered into an agreement known as a consent decree, that outlined reforms including de-escalation practices, protecting the rights of protestors, rooting out race-based practices and stronger accountability.

The recent decision by the Justice Department to withdraw from the consent decree process feels like yet another setback in our long struggle for accountability. But let us be clear: the work is not over.

Mayor Frey and the City Council have committed to advancing police reforms without the consent decree, stating that “accountability is not optional.” The Minneapolis Police Department and its own union leadership have acknowledged the need to rebuild trust within our community. Importantly, the state-level agreement between Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights requiring even more extensive police reforms remains in full effect.

While we appreciate that these leaders say they remain committed to change, it is up to us, our community, to ensure that commitment is kept. Real accountability depends not just on promises, but on our collective vigilance.

The investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department revealed deep-rooted patterns of racial discrimination in policing, alongside a culture that tolerated misogynistic language and behavior. As an organization committed to eliminating racism and empowering women, YWCA Minneapolis remains on watch. Our community has the right to be treated with respect and dignity. Not only will we not step back—we will continue to lean in.

We will carry the work forward—in the names of George Floyd, Daunte Wright, Philando Castile, Jamar Clark and far too many others—and in pursuit of a more just future. Together, we move forward not just in remembrance, but in action.

Shelley Carthen Watson, President and CEO, YWCA Minneapolis