Mayor Shea's response to the recent Black Lives Matter protests has been dismissive, irresponsible, and racist. As residents of Irvine, we are demanding for her to resign. We need leaders who are investing in protecting and advocating for all Irvine residents, including the Black community. 

By refusing to address issues of major police reform in Irvine, Shea demonstrates to us that she doesn't value the making Irvine safe for all residents, including our Black community. Her unacceptable response to the recent movement has been criticized by many constituents.  She has characterized peaceful protests as violent and gone so far as to block activists on social media. Denise Carter of the Thurgood Marshall Bar Association has stated that Shea has "attempt[ed] to quell protesters' right to free speech and right to assembly." 

Her unwillingness to engage with this pressing civil rights issue, and with her constituents demanding change, demonstrates her poor leadership and poor values. We believe in an anti-racist Irvine that is committed to addressing the necessary issues of police brutality, through embracing the #8cantwait campaign as well as the #8toabolition campaign.