Earlier this evening, the UW-Madison Police Department, through a statement, was notified that its application to participate in the OutReach Pride Parade was withdrawn by the organization’s board of directors. Other local law enforcement agencies also had their applications withdrawn, prohibiting them from participating and representing their respective departments in the parade.
We are disappointed in today’s decision by OutReach — in particular because of our continued efforts to find a method of participation that was acceptable to all of our community members (such as marching in the parade without uniforms or police vehicles). We respect the decision, and we will use this as an opportunity to continue our work and commitment to OutReach and other local LGBTQ+ groups, to build and strengthen our relationships and trust.