The Waterloo Police Griffin, instituted in 1964, heavily resembles the KKK dragon. And the KKK, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, is a terrorist organization with a long history of violence, the oldest and most infamous of American hate groups. Although Black Americans have typically been the Klan's primary target, it also has attacked Jews, immigrants, members of the LGBTQ community and, until recently, Catholics. 

The Griffin symbol needs to be retired. Commonly associated with strength in war and vigilance, this archaic symbol is at odds with community policing at its best, which is not to be an occupying force, but rather to serve as guardians of the common good. And this statement should not be interpreted as an attack on the City of Waterloo or our brothers and sisters in law enforcement. In fact, the Waterloo Commission on Human Rights actively welcomes a productive relationship with any agency engaged in the same nature of service; enforcement of the law. We have no interest in debating the intention behind the symbol’s creation; instead, we would like to address the impact this symbolism has had- and continues to have – on many of our community residents in Waterloo.

This symbol evokes feelings of fear and distrust of law enforcement among a broad swath of community. Furthermore, the resistance to the removal of the Griffin works to reinforce this distrust, enhancing tensions among community, and impeding the City of Waterloo in “Implement(ing) a Community Policing strategy that creates a safe environment in Waterloo.” This objective is massively important in the purview of the Commission, which aims to align itself in the interest of everyday ordinary blues folk, and actively attempts to engage any individual or institution in the reduction of harm to all people.

Due to these underlying conditions, the undersigned are committed to the absolute removal of the Griffin symbol from any law enforcement paraphernalia. In addition, the undersigned absolutely resist any alteration of the Griffin and remain committed to organize until any trace of this Griffin is removed from any active paraphernalia utilized by Waterloo law enforcement.