To Mayor Garcetti,

As members of the Harvard-Westlake community, we are called to remember the purpose and drive instilled in us through our years of study, summed up in our motto, Possunt Quia Posse Videntur: They Can Because They Think They Can. Being a part of the Harvard-Westlake community affords us the power and privilege to effect change. Your decision to pursue a career in public service demonstrates your commitment to building a better Los Angeles. We believe we can build a city that serves and honors all of its people with a budget that reflects our priorities and values. We can no longer afford to invest in a system of law enforcement that has, for decades, abused their power and harmed communities of color. Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles and allied organizations, through substantial citizen participation, have drafted the People's Budget, a budget that will keep our communities safe by addressing universal, immediate needs including public health, mental health and wellness, and housing security. We ask you to lead the City by advancing a moral budget that honors the dignity and humanity of all people.

The need to divest from law enforcement has never been more urgent. In the middle of a pandemic, Black people and their allies have been forced to the streets to protest for their right to be treated like human beings. Both here in Los Angeles, and in cities across the country, law enforcement has responded to peaceful protest against unspeakable acts of police violence with yet more violence - firing rubber bullets and spraying tear gas at protestors, beating people with batons, and even driving police cars into peacefully assembled crowds. Yet instead of standing in solidarity with the Black community and Black alumni, you have called for military intervention and shut down COVID-19 testing operations. We expect more compassion and bolder leadership from a fellow alumnus and from the leader of our great City.

Today, we call on you to:
-Call off the National Guard
-Commit to keeping all testing sites for COVID-19 -- a deadly virus that disproportionately affects Black people and people of color -- open for the duration of the pandemic
-Commit to a People’s Budget that affirms life, not by spending 54% of the city's unrestricted general funds on the police as proposed, but by investing in housing, good jobs, healthy food, the environment, youth services, public transportation, parks and libraries at the June 8th and consecutive budget meetings.
-Demand accountability in situations of police misconduct
-Stand up for Black lives, vocally and unconditionally

In March, the people of Los Angeles County voted to increase law enforcement accountability and invest in alternatives to incarceration through Measure R. Now, through the People’s Budget, your constituents have communicated a clear desire to invest in care instead of cops and cages. A budget that allocates 54% of its dollars to the LAPD in the midst of a health, economic, and moral crisis, does not align with the expressed values of the people you represent.

As members of the Harvard-Westlake community, we know that if we can imagine a better future, we can create it. Please join us in our pursuit of a just Los Angeles that centers the health and well-being of its people.

Thank you for your time and consideration,