Policing institutions have been nothing but the center of trauma, distrust, and unrest for black people across America. Even here in Louisville, KY, we have seen the effects of our own police department failing to uphold its duty of keeping the community healthy and safe. Earlier this week, the Black Student Union at UofL, demanded that the University cut ties with LMPD expeditiously and change the name of the Overseers Honors House.  UofL has made a temporary fix to the building name until it been changed permanently, and they have committed to taking action steps to reduce the reliance upon LMPD. 

Many people have reached out asking how they can help BSU and what we’re fighting for. It is because of this massive support from the community that we were able to let university leadership know that the revolution will not stop because of a hiccup. The revolution will not stop because the university cannot immediately divest from LMPD.  At the end of the day, the university is a business. Businesses aren’t going to lead the revolution—young people are.  What we need now is not for hundreds of folks to call the President’s Office and demand they change their mind. We need the community to make it so that a partnership with LMPD is no longer a crucial piece; We need Louisville citizens to divest from the institution of policing; We need for people to sign this petition urging Louisville Mayor Greg fisher and other Kentucky leaders to cut LMPD’s massive budget.  

$189,076,500 was the approved budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. Over the past week we have seen LMPD deliberately fire tear gas at news reporters, trash protestor’s supplies, and neglect to listen to what we as citizens have to say about their behavior. Even during a pandemic, they have shown us where their priorities lie. With the amount of money they are given to serve OUR community, this is unacceptable.  LMPD officers work for the city—the people have the power to change where their money goes. 

 Many have also asked what will we do without the police?  The answer is everything. Where we’re going there is no carceral state and police have been abolished. We don’t want conversations or conferences or trainings.  Imagine something greater. There is no way to reform policing that is inherently violent—all of it must go. 

We will continue as an organization to push for justice for Breonna Taylor as well as David “Yaya” McAtee, who was murdered by National Guard across town from protests for “not abiding curfew.”  Firing the police chief that was going to retire in a month anyway is not going to cut it.  We will continue to pressure LMPD, Mayor Greg Fischer, Representative John Yarmuth, Governor Andy Beshear, and anyone else who stands in our way.  Louisvillians, we call upon you.  Happy Birthday, Breonna—a change is gonna come.

- The UofL Black Student Union