As we work to build a future without police, we’ve focused our efforts and actions over the past few weeks around defunding the NYPD for #NYCBudgetJustice. But late last Tuesday, the City Council passed a budget for this fiscal year with nowhere near the demanded $1 billion cut from the NYPD. To learn more about the outcome of the budget vote, please read the full statements from our partners Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) and the Justice Committee:
CPR: The City Council failed New Yorkers today. Instead of shrinking policing, the Council moved cops from the NYPD to other agencies, refused to institute a hiring freeze on police and failed to take meaningful steps to shrink the NYPD’s massive, and abusive presence in our communities.
Justice Committee: Our communities have been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic and the economic and police violence crises that have coincided with it, yet, in spite of this, the City administration has chosen to forsake our health, safety and well-being and continue the trend of treating the police as if they are above the law, even in the budget.
While De Blasio has touted the budget changes as defunding the NYPD by $1B, the changes do little more than shuffle money and power between agencies. Ultimately, this continues the oppression of primarily Black, brown, and low-income neighborhoods, and will only further the policing and incarceration of children and adults across the city.
Reflecting on the vote last week, it’s important to remember that the fight to defund the NYPD has been going on for a long time, led by Black and brown folks whose communities have been the most devastated by the city’s racial injustice. For those of us newer to the movement, it is vital that we continue to stay engaged for the long term.
Whether supporting urgent actions (such as #CancelRent to provide safe housing for all), calling in our family, friends, and neighbors, or continuing our own political education, there are many ways white people must take action to dismantle white supremacy. By listening to and learning from those who have been most directly impacted, we can grow and act in a way that’s both respectful and accountable.
The movement has built great power, and it’s important that we don’t lose momentum now.
If last week has left you wondering what’s next, check out the list below for ways to dial in, move resources, and join us in conversation and action.
In solidarity,
SURJ NYC