City officials decided to talk about the ongoing racial issues in America to begin Wednesday night's council meeting.
"I want everyone to take a moment and take a deep breath," council vice president Jim Sims says. "Now I want you to think of George Floyd and how he is no longer able to do that."
Several council members mentioned how cities across the nation are experiecing violence in the form of property destruction and stolen goods in response to Floyd's death.
"Well who broke the social contract in the first place?" council member Isabel Piedmont-Smith asks. "The police did. They are the ones we trust to enforce the laws in a democratic society. They have repeatedly violated that social contract."
Piedmont-Smith says police forces nationwide must be held more accountable by outside entities.
"The problem with systemic racism is the police have internal bureaus that investigate these incidents and they're not investigated fairly," Piedmont-Sith says.
Several council members say one way to fix these problems is by voting.
"There's an election in November that's going to be very crucial in who our next leaders are that can make better informed decisions," council member Dave Rollo says.
So far in Bloomington, there have been no reports of any violent protesting. Larger-scale protests began on Monday, June 1 outside the Monroe County Courthouse.
"It is right and good to rally and march. Bloomington is strong because we have strong activists and people of hope and dedication who are demanding a better tomorrow," Mayor John Hamilton says.
A much bigger protest is expected to take place Friday, June 5 at Dunn Meadow at 3 pm.
Sims says he encourages people to attend the event, but urges everyone to practice social distancing as much as possible and to wear masks.
"I'm encouraged because it feels like real change could possible happen this time. I'm looking forward to see what we can do from a grassroots level, a city level, at the community level and here in Bloomington," Sims says.
