A Chicago police officer will get a 10-day suspension for blaring the song “Sweet Home Alabama” from his squad car radio while escorting protesters on the West Side Saturday.
The demonstrators in Garfield Park were marching against police violence.
Critics say the 1974 song has been used by some bigoted groups as an anthem of southern pride with confederate-type values.
The officer in question said he was just supporting his football team from the University of Alabama in its conference championship game.
Alabama won the game.
CPD released a statement saying in part, “While he says he was playing the music as fan of the University of Alabama, CPD fully understands sensitivities related to the song and regardless we cannot condone any behavior that may be viewed as disruptive or disrespectful to any protestor or resident.”
