Troubling Allegations of Racism and Discrimination
Windsor’s first Black inspector, Ed Armstrong, has filed an Ontario human rights complaint against the city’s police chief, Jason Bellaire. Armstrong alleges that Bellaire made derogatory and offensive comments toward the Black community, including references to “Black magic” and the need for a “Black friend.”
The complaint, filed in March, claims that Bellaire made these remarks between March 2023 and February 2024. Armstrong, who became Windsor’s first Black staff sergeant in 2020 and the first Black inspector in 2021, says the comments have taken an emotional toll on him.
Undermining Trust in the Police Force
The allegations, if true, have far-reaching consequences for the relationship between the Black community and the Windsor Police Service. Camisha Sibblis, director of the Black Scholars Institute at the University of Windsor, emphasizes the importance of trust in this dynamic.
“The chief sets the climate for the police in the region and to know that these are the racist currents … under which these police officers are working, it undermines a lot of that trust,” said Sibblis.
Calls for Accountability and Change
The Windsor Police Association has stated that it is supporting Armstrong through the process and is seeking to uncover the “truth” through a thorough examination. Founding chair of the Black Council of Windsor-Essex, Leslie McCurdy, says the allegations point to the need to address the root causes of racism within the police service.
“The alleged casualness with which such derogatory references are made and the joking manner they are made — a lot of times people think you can laugh stuff off and it’s a joke, but it’s still very hurtful,” said McCurdy.
Positive Steps Towards Equity and Inclusion
Moving forward, McCurdy suggests that Bellaire and the Windsor Police Service should undergo anti-Black racism training and work closely with the Black community to indicate a genuine change in mindset and direction.
