Last summer, the grassroots Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice inspired overdue conversations about systemic racism, redefining collective community safety for all, and the urgency of public re/investment in community services and resources, independent of the criminal law system.

Here in the Village of Hastings, the Police Reform Taskforce recommendations now before the Board of Trustees would move us in the wrong direction. Instead of engaging in a sincere racial reckoning, the Taskforce has proposed expanding the police presence in our community and schools, and even purchasing new weapons.

The proposal undermines the most fundamental tenets of the current movement for racial justice. Please join us in demanding that the Village Board reject this regressive plan that threatens our Village's efforts to be an inclusive community for all.

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