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Home Front: WoT
St. Paul police join Muslims in denouncing photo
2013-02-05
An Internet-spread photo of a St. Paul Police officer wearing lipstick and a hijab, the traditional outfit for Muslim women, has angered community activists and spurred a department investigation.

"I was literally sick to my stomach," said Ramla Bile of Minneapolis. "My identity is not a costume, and it's not OK for cultures to be turned into caricatures."

Police Chief Thomas Smith immediately opened an investigation. Police spokesman Howie Padilla confirmed that an officer is depicted in the picture, but could not release his identity Monday.

"The St. Paul Police Department has worked hard to establish a strong and respectful relationship with our Muslim communities, and I will not allow these types of images to erode that relationship," Smith said in a written statement. "Diversity is one of the greatest strengths of the city of St. Paul, and we expect each one of our officers to respect and take pride in serving each of our diverse communities."

"The city and the mayor's office take this very seriously, and the mayor will personally monitor it very closely," said Mayor Chris Coleman's spokesman Joe Campbell.

Somali and Muslim community activists called for swift disciplinary actions and cultural sensitivity training. The Minnesota chapter of the Council on Islamic-American Relations (CAIR-MN) offered training.
Posted by:tipper

#7  Wait - Ms. Bile was sick to her stomach? I'm green with envy.
Posted by: Muggsy Mussolini1226   2013-02-05 17:36  

#6  Serrano did receive taxpayer money. Some of it explicitly for 'Piss Christ.'
Posted by: Elmerert Hupens2660   2013-02-05 16:25  

#5  But "piss Christ" was funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. At the very least, somebody at the NEA should have to go to diversity training.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305   2013-02-05 16:10  

#4  HAhaha, Order of the Arrow.
Thanks Nimble!

Reminds me of a Beet costume I wore in third grade for the traditional '4 servings of veggies' play.
Posted by: Skidmark   2013-02-05 15:16  

#3  Looks more like one of those crappy ponchos we had to wear in scouts. I figured it was red cause the guy was OA.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble   2013-02-05 15:09  

#2  "piss Christ", offensive though it be, was not executed by a public official.
Posted by: lotp   2013-02-05 14:09  

#1  This is a problem but "piss Christ" as art is OK ??
Posted by: warthogswife   2013-02-05 13:07  

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