The New York City Human Rights Commission has announced that it is launching an investigation into the case of a white dog-pedestrian who called police to a black man in Central Park.
“At a time when the adverse effects of racism in the Black community have been made very clear – from racial differences in the results of COVID-19, to harassment of important workers on the front lines – it is very surprising to see this kind of bad threat directed at one New Yorker by another, “Said Sapna Raj, deputy commissioner of the Law Enforcement Bureau at the Human Rights Commission.
“Attempts to intimidate black people by threatening to call law enforcement based on a long, violent and painful history, and they are unacceptable. We encourage Ms. Cooper to work with the Commission and be meaningfully involved in the process of overcoming the harm caused, “Raj added in a statement.
The commission said it was aware of the incident from a video recorded by Christian Cooper, a black bird observer, who asked a white woman, Amy Cooper, to tie her dog in Central Park Ramble, in accordance with regulations.
Amy began to approach the man and shouted, “I will tell them there is an African-American man who is threatening my life.”
The clip was distributed on social media, sparking widespread anger from viewers who called Amy racist “Karen,” an abbreviation of social media for white women who calls the police to black neighbors for a harmless incident.
Amy Cooper
Amy Cooper has been fired from his job at investment company Franklin Templeton, while the Central Park Civic Association has called for him to be banned from the park.
He also gave his dog to Rescue Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue after some viewers were angry with how he dragged the dog to and fro by using his neck in the video.
The Human Rights Commission has issued a letter of inquiry to women who request cooperation in pre-complaint interventions.
“The Commission has the authority to fine offenders and can provide compensation to victims, including damage to emotional pressure and other benefits,” according to his statement.
“The commission can also order training on NYC’s Human Rights Law, policy changes, and develop restorative justice restoration such as community services and mediated apologies, in lieu or in addition to fines and monetary assistance.”
