Chauvin verdict not 'cure-all that protects from police violence,' race expert says

LAWRENCE — Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of three counts of murder and manslaughter April 20 in the death of George Floyd. The widely anticipated verdict was reached just under a year after Floyd died after being pinned underneath Chauvin’s knee, which sparked protests across the country. The impending verdict had raised fears of further demonstrations, prompting mobilizing of National Guard units across the country.

Brandon Davis, assistant professor of public affairs & administration at the University of Kansas, is available to speak with media about the verdict, its aftermath, race and policing, law enforcement and society, and related topics. A scholar in public policy, race and ethnicity and American politics, he can discuss issues related to the trial and conviction, including the aftermath of the decision, possible sentencing, police killings of minorities, similar cases and verdicts, and law enforcement policy.

“The verdict will not be the cure-all that protects us from police violence, as is evident in the murder of a 16-year-old Black girl the same day,” Davis said. “Ma’Khia Bryant called the police for help and was shot by them four times. We need a reckoning with both racism and policing.”

Davis has published research on criminal justice and policing of minority communities. Among his work are findings that contact with the criminal justice system affects individuals’ well-being and how contact with law enforcement reduces political participation, even for family members of those in contact with the criminal justice system.

To schedule an interview with Davis, contact Mike Krings at 785-864-8860, mkrings@ku.edu or @MikeKrings.