University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) Police Chief David A. Salazar Jr. has resigned, citing a loss of trust in university leadership amid a series of allegations and investigations revolving around recent antisemitic and pro-Palestinian protest on the UWM campus. Salazar’s resignation letter, addressed to the UWM community, outlines his reasons for stepping down and raises significant concerns about the handling of recent incidents surrounding the antisemitic protest on the campus and the internal investigation processes.
In his resignation letter, Salazar detailed his efforts to improve the UWM Police Department through proactive and 21st-century policing strategies. He highlighted his commendable performance evaluations, and the successful implementation of various policies aimed at ensuring competency within the department. However, Salazar pointed to several key incidents that led to his decision to resign.
During the spring of 2024, there were multiple antisemitic incidents on campus. Salazar noted that despite formal complaints from the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and Hillel Milwaukee, the university leadership, including Chancellor Mark Mone, was reluctant to address these issues. Salazar’s investigation confirmed the presence of antisemitism, a conclusion challenged by Head Legal Counsel Joely Urdan and supported by Chia Vang, the Vice Chancellor of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Salazar also faced personal allegations. On March 15, 2024, he was accused of violating UWM’s Discriminatory Conduct and Consensual Relationship Policy, based on claims that he surveilled a female police employee. Salazar asserted that these accusations were false and that the investigation, led by Joely Urdan, was biased. He stated that despite presenting evidence of misconduct and incompetence by other department members, his concerns were ignored until he escalated the issue to the University of Wisconsin System President, Jay Rothman.
On June 3, 2024, the investigation concluded that Salazar did not violate the policy. However, he was later notified on July 19, 2024, of the university’s intent to pursue possible Code of Conduct violations against him. Salazar expressed his belief that the investigative process was corrupted, and that the outcome was predetermined.
Citing a broken trust in the university leadership and a corrupted investigative process, Salazar decided to resign from his position. He emphasized his commitment to law enforcement and his decision to seek other opportunities where his efforts would be valued and supported.
In response to Salazar’s resignation, UWM Chancellor Mark Mone reiterated the university’s dedication to maintaining high standards of conduct and ensuring campus safety.
UWM responded to Salazar’s claims by stating that he was under a misconduct investigation that began in March and was nearing completion when he chose to resign. They assert that his public resignation and accusations against the university were attempts to preempt the investigation’s findings, which they describe as gross misstatements.