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LANSING (WJBK) - Despite calls for her to step down or be fired, the director of Michigan State Police is meeting with her critics.
The controversy surrounds a meme Col. Kristy Etue posted on Facebook, calling athletes who kneel during the National Anthem degenerates.
Michigan State Police's director had a closed door meeting with the black caucus at the Lansing State Capitol about her offensive comments she posted on social media regarding NFL players peacefully protesting during the National Anthem.
"My comments on a personal Facebook post were very offensive, and I am truly sorry," Etue said. "That was never my intent."
Players have been taking due what they are feel have been injustices nationwide in the black community. She has received plenty of backlash, many including Sen. Vincent Gregory (D-11th District), demanded that she steps down as MSP Director.
"Let me just say that my position has not changed," Gregory said. "Although I do think that the Colonel is very remorseful in what happened. I do believe that."
FOX 2: "Did she say if she regretted it?"
"I'm not going to get into that," Gregory said. "We'll talk more later. This was just the beginning meeting to say what our feelings were, and where we are it."
"How does she lead the police force forward and unite and not divide," said State Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D-8th District).
"We have some work to do with our minority population," said Etue. "But if I offended anyone, I'm truly sorry."
Reporter: "Are you convinced she's not a racist?"
"That's a loaded question," said State Rep. Erika Geiss (D-12th District). "I think there is so much more that this issue boils down to. There are a lot of unconscious biases; there are systemic issues in multiple departments, not just here in Michigan, but even in industry. And those are some things that are an unfortunate piece of the American fabric we need to fix."
"I am not resigning," Etue said. "Thank you."
The MSP director didn't have much to say after brief comments. She and other lawmakers including the black caucus are planning to meet again in the future on this issue, but no word yet on when that will happen.