WASHINGTON, D.C. - Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson were among the elected leaders, community organizers and law enforcement personnel from across the country who attended a special meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House Wednesday.

The group discussed ways to improve relations between law enforcement and the community. East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools board member Dawn Collins was among the Louisiana delegation. After the meeting, she said she believes acceptance is the first step in improving relations.

"If we could just operate out of love and compassion and not so much rooted in fear and rooted in our differences then that would solve a lot of the problems that we had today," Collins opined.

After the meeting the Governor's office released a statement that reads: 

“From the beginning, I have called for all Louisianans to come together so that we can emerge from this tragedy stronger than we were. I continue to believe that is not only possible, but it is a critical step in uniting our community, state, and nation. That means we all have to do our part. Law enforcement officers must carry out their sacred duty to protect and serve in a way that earns the trust of our communities. At the same time, all Louisianans must make their voices heard in a constructive way that brings us closer together and makes true progress a reality. That is how we honor the lives of Alton Sterling and the police officers who lost their lives in Dallas. I am proud of the work of law enforcement and the overwhelming number of citizens who want their voices heard in a peaceful manner, and I look forward to continuing this dialogue in the weeks and months ahead."