America is facing a period of stark division and racial injustice. George Floyd, an unarmed and handcuffed African American man, was choked to death by a police officer kneeling on his neck while three other officers looked on. George Floyd's story is all too common. The ensuing protests and police response has exemplified the strife present in America today. Many Americans find themselves asking the same question: How can we create a more progressive, peaceful, and equal future?

More diverse and representative police forces can decrease the rate of police brutality and increase community ties to the police. A literature review performed by the Department of Justice shows that a more diverse police force has a myriad of positive effects on the police department. Racial bias in the police force is reduced. Greater trust between the department and the community is achieved. Less black lives are lost. 

A crucial pipeline for high quality law enforcement in Western Massachusetts and beyond is the criminal justice program at Westfield State University. Westfield State already disperses over $200,000 in school-funded scholarships as well as over $1,400,000 in private scholarships. This petition is to earmark a small portion of that money to go towards minority students that are pursuing criminal justice degrees.

With these scholarships, Westfield State can be part of the solution to build a better future that all Americans are hoping for.