A racist slur printed in the June 2014 issue of the Capitol Police’s internal journal caused the department to pull the publication from circulation.  

The nickname “House Naggers” appeared on page 53 of the magazine in an article announcing the winners of a recent weight loss challenge. The name was chosen by one of the teams competing in the contest, according to the department.  

Capitol Police Chief Kim C. Dine sent out a notice to the department on Monday that included an apology for “unintentionally offending our readers.”  

The memo, shared with CQ Roll Call, says:

“It has come to my attention that the most recent issue of the 1828 (Issue 32/June 2014) contained information that may have unintentionally been offensive to our readers.

In an article about the USCP Weight Loss Challenge, certain group names chosen by the teams have caused some complaints. In an abundance of caution, the Department has removed from circulation all available copies of the June issue of the 1828 and no further distribution of this issue will occur. The Department is exceptionally proud of the 1828 publication, the work that goes into it, and the ability it provides to communicate with our entire agency.

The Department apologizes for unintentionally offending our readers.”

For more than a decade, the department has been in a legal battle waged by hundreds of black officers — former and current — alleging Capitol Police management has a history of harassment based on race.  

The original case began in 2001, with an Office of Compliance grievance. With now-retired Capitol Police Lt. Sharon Blackmon-Malloy as the lead plaintiff, the complaint argued that more than 200 black officers were denied promotions, retaliated against, unfairly disciplined or fired because of their race.  

In 2012, 51 black Capitol Police officers, civilians and employees filed a new class-action discrimination lawsuit against the Capitol Police.  

Another complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in August 2013 by an intelligence research specialist for the department alleging employment discrimination.  

Blackmon-Malloy has organized small rallies on the Capitol lawn on behalf of the United States Capitol Black Police Association to draw attention to what she alleges is a hostile work environment.  

In response to a past USCPBA protest, CQ Roll Call was issued a statement reaffirming Dine’s commitment to equal employment opportunity and diversity.