Want better communication between students and police
In light of past and recent events in the national news, we are writing to share our concerns about police prejudice and injustice.
Our goal is not to slander or bash the Columbus Police Department or any other department. We want to raise awareness of this issue that is affecting people nationwide. We want to start a line of communication between law enforcement and minority students. We are students, who see a problem and want to do something about it.
Peace and understanding is what is needed to bring about unity. Martin Luther King Jr. understood this completely when he said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We feel that we cannot sit around anymore and watch these injustices unfold.
We decided to actually do something to help our community. We surveyed a local student body, which is predominantly black, on their perception of the police. We also plan to meet with the local police department and present our findings to them.
We want to stress that most police officers are good. We acknowledge that there are good and bad in all groups of people and do not wish to stereotype or lump all police officers together. However, we want people to realize that bad ones are there as well.
With all of this said, police brutality and prejudice is not just an African-American or Hispanic issue; it is a people issue.
Having respect for police and the police having respect for the community is what is needed for unity. Advocating for law enforcement officers to see their own prejudice and for minority students to have respect for the police is key for more peaceful interactions. This mutual understanding is what will bring about peace and unity for everyone.
Keara Williams, Kiyanna Curry
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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