HomeMy WebLinkAboutReallocation of Funds (36)
Christian, Kevin
From:Racheal Matheny <rachealmatheny18@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 2, 2020 11:08 AM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Reallocation of Funds
Dear City Council,
My name is Racheal Matheny and I am a resident of San Luis Obispo and a student at Cal Poly.
I am currently studying environmental management and protection, and as a white student
attending a wealthy university, I recognize my privileges as I write this.
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, environmental programs, community
development, or even a specific diversity, equity, and inclusion line item.
San Luis Obispo is a primarily white town with a primarily white university located in it. The lack of
programs centered around diversity and inclusion for POC and other minority groups is appalling.
In addition it is very isolating to individuals that make up these communities because their own
town refuses to create programs that address the disparities and discrimination that exists.
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 systematic racism.
Thank you for all you do for the City of San Luis Obispo and for your consideration.
All the best,
Racheal Matheny
(She/her/hers)
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