Dear Friends,

The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN is a horrific act of police brutality in a long history of horrific violence against Black, people of color, and indigenous people in America. The state continues to systemically murder, surveil, incarcerate, pollute, and otherwise harm the bodies and psyches of Black, POC, and indigenous people. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade should be alive today. We demand that the officers involved in their murder be held accountable, and that police departments across the United States are defunded so that the communities subjected to state violence can finally receive the resources they need to be safe and well. The environmental movement must join hands with the movements for Black and indigenous lives. We stand in solidarity with the people in Minneapolis and beyond fighting to end racism and police brutality; and for the freedom to survive, to be safe, to be well. Organizers on the ground – like the Black Visions Collective – have shared action steps to support the Minneapolis protests. We urge you all to take fifteen minutes out of your day to show your solidarity. 

Sign this petition, which demands the Minneapolis City Council divest from the Minneapolis Police Department by committing to:

1. never again vote to increase police funding or to increase the police department’s budget.

2. propose and vote for a $45 million cut from MPD’s budget as the City responds to projected COVID-19 shortfalls.

3. protect and expand current investment in community-led health and safety strategies, instead of investing in police.

4. do everything in my power to compel MPD and all law enforcement agencies to immediately cease enacting violence on community members. Follow, amplify, and donate to Black Visions Collective.