The Austin Police Department has a sexism problem
In the last two months, the Austin Police Department has lost three officers for varying amounts of time due to sexism-related incidents. First, in October, officers Mark Lyttle and Michael Castillo were caught on dashboard video joking about rape victims, leading to their suspensions last month. Then, last Friday, a third officer resigned after learning his sexist comments would be aired on a local radio station, Texas NPR affiliate KUT.
KUT reporter Joy Diaz stopped by the city's police union building for a scheduled interview with the head of the union. She says that while she was waiting, Austin police officer Andrew Pietrowski approached her and brought up Ray Rice, the former NFL running back who was infamously caught on tape punching and knocking out his now-wife Janay. According to Diaz, Pietrowski said the incident was blown out of proportion by the media, expressing this disparaging opinion about women:
While Lyttle and Castillo were suspended for five and three days, respectively, Pietrowski preemptively resigned Dec. 12 after learning his comments to Diaz would be aired on the radio — probably a good move considering Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo had told Diaz that someone with "that mentality has no business being a cop."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Read Diaz's full account of the incident, and listen to Pietrowski's remarks, at KUT.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Kimberly Alters is the news editor at TheWeek.com. She is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Political dynasties at war in the Philippines
Under the Radar 'Fiercer, nastier, and more personal' rift between Marcos and Duterte factions risks splitting ruling coalition
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
'Without mandatory testing, bird flu will continue circulating at farms across the country'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Thirteen missing after Red Sea tourist boat sinks
Speed Read The vessel sank near the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appeal
Speed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published