Police in Schools

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Seattle school board votes to suspend a partnership with police.  The suspension is indefinite while they reevaluate the program.  Other area schools are also considering this.  While this is good, community involvement is important to ensure an equitable program is put in its place to support all students. 

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While police contracts end, the use of security guards in schools may also need to be addressed.  See this article for more information.

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Several other cities are also ending police contracts including Denver and Portland and others are considering it.

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Dismantling and Defunding the Police

The drive to make changes in reforming or dismantling police since June 2020 have been passionate, but are they moving too fast or not fast enough?  Is momentum gaining or losing traction?  Here are a few articles showing proposed changes and the fight against them and that there is much work to be done.  We cannot let up on our drive to make police violence and harrassment stop.  This will be a long haul and requires full participation and understanding as we find our way. 

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Seattle City Council spent most of July in budget hearings over 2020 COVID rebalancing and worked to support the push to defund police by 50%.  King County Equity Now and Decriminalize Seattle led the demands and 7 of the 9 council members supported this.  Now, after a vote to cut 100 police officers and pay of high ranking officials, the mayor has vetoed the revised budget.  The 2020 budget lingers on as we head towards 2021 budgeting and another attempt to put more money in the hands of more effective community programs.  Read further to see how we reinvest in Black communities.

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Minneapolis City Council voted  12-0 in June to dismantle the police.  Now the Minneapolis Charter Commission, a court-appointed board of volunteers, voted to delay consideration of a ballot measure, which blocks the ability to put the amendment on the November 2020 ballot.  

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Colorado passes sweeping legislation focused on police accountability

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Cities taking up the call to defund the police and more about what that might mean.

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Police Reform 

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Federal Way WA police ban neck restraints and choke holds

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Several cities in Washington have won a lawsuit over an attempt by King County Executive Down Constantine to change how Inquest hearings operate.  Inquests are fact-finding hearings, designed to provide transparency in law enforcement actions.  Here is more information about the proposed changes to support police accountability.

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Misc Topics

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Asheville, North Carolina approves reparations for Black communities, supporting home ownership and businesses and career opportunities.

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Austin, TX will no longer arrest for low-level marijuana possession.  This is good news because of the racism around who gets arrested more often, regardless of usage.  Low level offenses can also lead to police violence and harassment.  Taking laws like this off the books is a good thing.