Massachusetts cops want Black Lives Matter sign taken down

SOMERVILLE, Mass. – The mayor of a Massachusetts city has denied a request from police officers that a Black Lives Manner banner be removed from City Hall and replaced with one that says “All Lives Matter.”

The sign above the main entrance to Somerville City Hall has been in place for nearly a year.

Somerville Police Employees Association President Michael McGrath writes in a letter sent Tuesday to Mayor Joseph Curtatone that officers are “deeply troubled” the current banner remains. The letter says it’s “inconceivable” and “demoralizing” that the banner remains, given recent attacks on police across the country.

Curtatone denied the request, saying in a statement that his “unwavering support for our police officers does not and cannot preempt our commitment to addressing systemic racism in our nation.”