Mayor Tom Koch has recently commissioned two statues to be displayed at the entrance of the new Quincy Police Headquarters. While public art can enrich a community, this decision has raised significant concerns among Quincy residents regarding transparency, fiscal responsibility, and religious neutrality.

1. Lack of Transparency and Public Input
The decision to spend $850,000 of taxpayer funds on these statues was made without any public consultation or consent. Quincy residents were not given an opportunity to voice their opinions or participate in this major expenditure, despite the city currently facing $1.6 billion in debt.
In a democratic community, it is essential that taxpayers have a say in how their money is used—especially for non-essential projects.

2. Violation of Religious Neutrality
The statues possess strong religious connotations, which violates Article III of the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights, requiring government neutrality in religious matters.
In a diverse city like Quincy, government buildings must reflect inclusivity and neutrality, not promote or endorse specific religious symbols.

3. Harmful Imagery and Community Relations
One statue, depicting St. Michael stepping on the head of a “devil,” risks promoting harmful stereotypes and sends a divisive message at a time when building trust between law enforcement and the community should be our priority. Public art at a police facility should embody unity, understanding, and respect—not violent or exclusionary imagery.

4. PETA’s Involvement Doesn’t Solve the Problem
Recently, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) offered to cover the cost of these statues—on the condition that a third religious statue, St. Francis of Assisi, also be installed.
While this offer may address the financial issue, it ignores the deeper concerns about religious neutrality, community representation, the public's trust in law enforcement, and the symbolic impact of these artworks. Adding another religious figure does not fix the problem—it compounds it.

 
Our Message to Mayor Koch and PETA
Quincy does not need outside organizations or city officials making unilateral decisions that:

Violate Massachusetts’ constitutional principles,
Perpetuate negative or violent imagery, and
Bypass public participation in the democratic process.

We call on Mayor Koch and PETA to:

Halt the installation of all religiously affiliated statues at the Quincy Police Headquarters.
Hold a transparent public consultation to determine what kind of art—if any—should represent our community’s values at this important civic site.
Ensure future public art commissions comply with Massachusetts laws regarding religious neutrality and reflect the diversity of Quincy’s residents.
 
Sign this petition
Help us send a clear message:
Quincy stands for inclusion, transparency, and accountability — not wasteful spending, religious favoritism, or divisive imagery.

Please add your name and share widely to protect our community’s integrity and values.