The goal of this petition is to have these signs taken down.

These signs are problematic because of the use of a real human instead of a silhouette or other image. They are offensive and dangerous because they dehumanize panhandlers as well as impoverished individuals. Panhandlers and impoverished people, particularly the homeless, are already more likely to be the victims of crime. Dehumanizing imagery will increase their chances of being victimized by causing the community to view them more negatively than they are already viewed.

Taking down these signs will improve the treatment of panhandlers and impoverished peoples. Removing these signs will also make our community appear more compassionate.