(Michigan City, IN) - The mayor of Michigan City has apologized for remarks viewed by many as racist.  During a news conference outside City Hall yesterday in response to calls for him

to resign, Parry said he’s ordered himself and staff into diversity and cultural training.

 

Parry also said he will be the first one to undergo the training.  “I cannot say the words to fully express my regret for saying what I said during the past week. My words now cannot change what I’ve said. However my future actions can and will.  I'm sorry.  I realize, saying I'm sorry is not enough,” he said.

 

Parry said diversity training is also be mandatory for all board and commission members and a new position will be created to represent the city out in the community.  The black community will have input on who is chosen for that position.

 

Parry recently left a voice mail for a black minister wanting to discuss the way he handled an issue involving the African-American police chief and thought he hung up the phone.  The phone was still hot, though, when he stated “They want a f____ing audience. You know, these black guys.  They all want a f___ing audience."  He left the message on the voice mail of Pastor James Lane.

 

After the news conference, Lane was not swayed by the mayor’s apology and continues to call for his resignation.  “Resign. Resign. Resign.  At this point, your apology is a moot point.  The way you treat your leaders of this community.  The way you treat your staff of this community.  The way you treat City Council members of this community, it is evident that you have the behavior of a bigot and there's no place for bigotry in this leadership of Michigan City.  He needs to resign,” he said.

 

Parry has been mayor for just over a year.