Since the murder of George Floyd, we have seen police officers meet protestors with armored vehicles, battle uniforms, and weapons of war. Military weapons and equipment do not belong in our communities. Plain and simple.

Email your legislators to demilitarize our local police and keep our communities safer!

Quick background on why they can do this: Due to a program created in the 90’s, local police (including school police) can receive military equipment for….whatever reason they want. This rule, known as the 1033 program, has allowed local law enforcement agencies to amass more than $1.5 billion in military equipment -- including 205 grenade launchers, nearly 80,000 assault rifles, and 500 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, which are built to deflect landmines and roadside bombs in war zones. These weapons of war do not make us feel safer. They only put our streets, homes, and schools more at risk -- especially Black communities and communities of color. 

That’s why, earlier this week, dozens of young people virtually lobbied 44 Congressional offices to demand that they condemn racism and police brutality, defend Black lives, and demilitarize the police by ending the 1033 program. Of the 44 offices, we lobbied 18 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, 4 Republican offices, and held 5 meetings with Congress Members directly. Which was amazing! But we need your help to put extra pressure on Congress to end the 1033 program.