NEW YORK, NY and LOUISVILLE, KY (December 12, 2024) — National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial and Louisville Urban League President and CEO Lyndon Pryor issued the following statement in response to the announcement of a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice to address misconduct within Louisville’s police department.

“Nearly five years after the tragic killing of Breonna Taylor focused the nation’s attention on the racism, violence, and corruption that resulted in her death, our community finally can begin to heal. Her death was not an aberration, but the inevitable result of decades of unconstitutional policing, discrimination and egregious misconduct – routine patterns and practices – that Louisville Metro Police Department tolerated for far too long.  This agreement represents a long-awaited measure of justice for Breonna Taylor and her family.

“The consent decree is not just a legal agreement between the city and the federal government—it represents a contract of hope, accountability, and systemic change between the city and its citizens. While the decree outlines mandatory meaningful reforms, including better training, increased transparency, and independent oversight, the most significant questions moving forward are how these reforms will be implemented and who will be present as decisions are made.

“With this decree, the city can move forward toward a collaborative and effective relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.  We commend Assistant U.S. Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Paul Humphrey for their work in developing the agreement.

About the Louisville Urban League
The Louisville Urban League assists African Americans and those at the margins in attaining social and economic equality and stability through direct services and advocacy. For more information, go to lul.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter  (@louisvilleUL), or Instagram (@louisville_ul).