Kansas prosecutor Mark Dupree has parted ways with President Donald Trump's law enforcement task force. Dupree told U.S. Attorney General William Barr that he was “deeply offended by a political agenda to divide rather than build.” He also told Barr that he was fearful the task force wouldn't “acknowledge the systemic racism in our justice system.”
Dupree currently works in the Jayhawk State as the Wyandotte County District Attorney. Prior to his departure, Dupree worked on the controversial board in hopes that he could help the Trump administration bring together a wide variety of perspectives. His ultimate goal was to build better relationships between police officers and communities.
“As the first and only African American elected District Attorney in the state of Kansas, as well as a reform-minded prosecutor who focuses on being smart on crime and using a holistic approach to justice, I am deeply offended by a political agenda to divide rather than build." Dupree wrote in a letter to Barr.
“I have yet to hear whether the Commission’s final report intends to adequately address the racial equity issues millions are pleading with us to reckon with, nor am I confident that the Commission’s recommendations will acknowledge the systemic racism in our justice system — these issues are fundamental to earning the trust of people of color in this country."
President Trump nor Attorney General Barr publicly commented on Dupree's departure. Instead, a member of the Justice Department issued a statement commending Dupree for his work.
“He was a valuable member of the working group on Reentry Programs and Initiatives and made important contributions to the Commission’s work,” the spokesperson stated.
The Justice Department did not provide a date as to when the task force would release its report following a summer of unrest between police and marginalized communities.
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