WASHINGTON - Earlier this month, Arby’s suspended 19-year-old Black teenager Kenneth Davenport after Police Sergeant Sgt. Jennifer Martin accused Arby’s of refusing service to a police officer.   However, no one at the fast-food chain refused service to the police officer, and even Arby’s admits that Davenport did nothing wrong. Now, the local police association is asking for Davenport to be fired.  In response, the largest online civil rights group in the country, ColorOfChange.org, launched a petition demanding Arby’s reinstate Davenport’s employment and issue a public apology. To date, over 40,000 ColorOfChange members have signed the petition.

Rashad Robinson, executive director of ColorOfChange.org, said:

“It’s outrageous for Arby’s to bow to pressure from a police group and take disciplinary action against a Black employee who did nothing wrong. Arby’s must immediately reinstate Kenneth Davenport’s employment, publicly apologize to him, and clear his name as Arby’s actions could damage Davenport’s work life and career. Arby's lies and decision to suspend Davenport are deeply irresponsible and simply make no sense. It’s clear the company feels no accountability to it's Black employees.

“The Dade County Police Benevolent Association’s actions exemplify the way that police unions abuse their power and act as bullies to anyone they perceive as an enemy. While unions are essential for protecting the rights of workers, many police unions are fundamentally different. They defend cops who kill and abuse their power, create policies that help the police get away with just about anything, and attack any effort at reform.

“The attack on Kenneth Davenport appears to be part of a coordinated effort by police groups across the country to paint young Black people as violent and anti-police. This isn’t the first time a Miami-area police union has targeted and smeared a Black citizen. Just last month, the Miami Fraternal Order of Police publicly attacked the reputation of a Black woman who filmed police beating a Black teenager after arresting him.”