HomeMy WebLinkAboutFunding Requests from Cal Poly Students
Christian, Kevin
From:Haley Pierce <hlpierce27@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 2, 2020 12:48 PM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Funding Requests from Cal Poly Students
Dear City Council,
My name is Haley and I am a resident of San Luis Obispo and a student at Cal Poly.
As you know, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and so many unnamed others
have been killed because of our country’s systematically racist criminal justice system.
In light of these events, we ask that in today’s review of the 2020-21 budget, you reallocate some of the funds
currently directed toward the police department to other programs and alternative forms of policing, such as
community policing, community development, or even a specific diversity, equity, and inclusion line item.
We believe this is a small request to begin to address the massive inequities and systems of oppression that
have been perpetuated by governmental inaction. Though this will not fix the problem, it will move our city in a
positive direction and demonstrate a tangible commitment to addressing systemic racism.
Speaking from my personal experience as a student at Cal Poly, I have witnessed many injustices such as the
Black Face incident of 2018. While you are not responsible for Cal Poly's administration, I fully believe that
setting a precedent for recognition of unlawful behavior is a step in the right direction and would do nothing but
benefit the community. I love the town of San Luis Obispo, and it would mean everything to see it work towards
the solution.
Thank you for all you do for the City of San Luis Obispo and for your consideration.
All the best,
Haley
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