The Dearborn Heights Police Department in Michigan is facing controversy over an “optional patch” displaying text in both Arabic and English.
“The Dearborn Heights Police Department is proud to share a new optional patch that our officers may wear as part of their uniform,” the department wrote in a Facebook post.
“This patch was created by Officer Emily Murdoch, who designed it to reflect and honor the diversity of our community — especially the many residents of Arabic descent who call Dearborn Heights home. By incorporating Arabic script alongside English, this patch represents unity, respect, and our shared commitment to service. We are proud of Officer Murdoch’s creativity and dedication in helping our department better represent the people we serve,” the now-deleted post stated, according to Fox News.
The announcement drew online backlash from commentators and lawmakers, prompting Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi to issue a statement.
“At this time, this patch addition remains an idea and should NOT have been presented as an official prototype. With regard to the outstanding efforts that have been implemented, I am very proud of our Chief and officers who have spearheaded countless community-wide initiatives to engage all members of our community, including the first Dearborn Heights Youth Explorers Program and the largest DHPD Night Out event,” Bazzi said, according to Newsweek.
Critics quickly denounced the proposal, including activist Brigitte Gabriel and Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.).
“This is how it starts. Dearborn Heights Police Dept. now has the nation’s first-ever uniform patch in Arabic. The civilization takeover has begun,” Brigitte Gabriel wrote on X, according to Newsweek.
“They said their goal was to bring sharia law to America. You should’ve believed them. Pray for Michigan,” Florida Republican Rep. Randy Fine wrote on X.
Dearborn Heights is part of metro Detroit’s large Arab-American community, one of the largest concentrations in the United States.