NYC Commission on Human Rights to probe Central Park ‘Karen’ Amy Cooper

The New York City Commission on Human Rights has announced it is launching an investigation into the case of the white dog-walker who called the cops on a black man in Central Park.

“At a time when the devastating impacts of racism in Black communities have been made so painfully clear — from racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes, to harassment of essential workers on the frontlines — it is appalling to see these types of ugly threats directed at one New Yorker by another,” said Sapna Raj, deputy commissioner of the Law Enforcement Bureau at the Commission on Human Rights.

“Efforts to intimidate Black people by threatening to call law enforcement draw on a long, violent and painful history, and they are unacceptable. We encourage Ms. Cooper to cooperate with the Commission and meaningfully engage in a process to address the harm that she has caused,” Raj added in a statement.

The commission said it learned of the incident from the video recorded by Christian Cooper, a black bird-watcher, who asked the white woman, Amy Cooper, to put a leash on her dog in the Central Park Ramble, in accordance with regulations.

Amy began approaching the man and snapped, “I’m going to tell them there’s an African American man threatening my life.”

The clip was shared on social media, sparking widespread outrage from viewers calling Amy a racist “Karen,” social media shorthand for white women who call the cops on black neighbors over harmless incidents.

Amy Cooper has been fired from her job at the investment firm Franklin Templeton, while the Central Park Civic Association has called for her to be banned from the park.

She has also surrendered her dog to the Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue after some viewers were angered at how she dragged the pooch around by its neck harness in the video.

The Commission on Human Rights has issued a letter of inquiry to the woman requesting her cooperation in a pre-complaint intervention.

“The Commission has the authority to fine violators of the law and can award compensatory damages to victims, including emotional distress damages and other benefits,” according to its statement.

“The Commission can also order trainings on the NYC Human Rights Law, changes to policies, and develop restorative justice relief such as community service and mediated apologies, in lieu of or in addition to fines and monetary relief.”