On August 27th, the Chapman community received an email informing us of the university's intent to fund the Orange Police Department in an attempt to minimize (or eliminate) large social gatherings that increase the spread of COVID-19. In the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement, funding OPD is an act that stands in direct violation of Chapman's commitment to "enriching diversity and inclusion through on-going efforts to cultivate a welcoming campus climate for all members of the Chapman community." This goal is impossible to reach while funding a political organization that has systemically oppressed members of our community, our families, and our loved ones since its origin.

Additionally, the need for increased policing of neighborhood parties is obsolete. Most reports of social gatherings that violate COVID guidelines have been reported by fellow students. It is clear that, while some members of our community unfortunately do not take this pandemic seriously, there are many who do. If a social gathering does not become large enough to receive a noise complaint (for which the police department would be called), it is highly unlikely that it would be noticeable to any patrol cars driving through the neighborhood. Therefore, the primary result of increased police funding by Chapman and increased neighborhood patrolling is a heightened fear and discomfort among students — not a decrease in COVID-19 cases. No students or families were consulted in this decision, meaning we did not have a say in where our money is going. Our money, and the school's money, should be directed at our education, resources, and community support, especially during a global pandemic and economic recession.

We demand Chapman pulls its funding from OPD and reallocates it to preventative community resources.