Action Alert: Call On CA Governor Newsom to Protect Our Students

October 8, 2024 Advocacy Letters

Please use the letter template and contact information below to contact CA Governor Gavin Newsom and urge him to protect our students’ safety on campus.

GOV. NEWSOM’S CONTACT INFO:  Leg.Unit@gov.ca.gov

EMAIL SUBJECT: Gov. Newsom – Protect Our Students: Reevaluate SB 1287 & AB 481

[Date]

Governor Gavin Newsom

Governor of California  

Office of the Governor  

1303 10th Street, Suite 1173  

Sacramento, CA 95814  

Dear Governor Newsom,

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent signing of SB 1287 and the decision to modify the codes of conduct at California’s public universities. While I understand the importance of maintaining order, I believe this approach undermines the fundamental principles of free speech and open dialogue that are essential to our democracy and academic institutions. Universities have historically been places where diverse perspectives converge, cultivating discussions on pressing global issues, while prioritizing the safety of students. I demand that you engage with community leaders to reevaluate these decisions. 

Additionally, I am deeply concerned about the University of California Board of Regents recent decision to authorize the acquisition and deployment of military-grade equipment, including drones and kinetic energy weapons. This move indicates a concerning trend towards heightened militarization of campus police officers, and is both unnecessary and counterproductive in promoting community safety and well-being. Regulating campus protests infringes upon constitutional rights, particularly for marginalized groups, including pro-Palestinian protesters, who feel directly impacted by the Israel-Palestine conflict. History shows that military gear leads to more aggressive policing tactics, alienating students and community members while placing them in harm’s way. The assumption that “less lethal” alternatives ensure safety overlooks the reality that this equipment escalates tensions rather than diffuses them.

I urge you to publicly oppose the misguided decision by the University of California Board of Regents to approve additional funding for military equipment. Additionally, I ask that you issue a thorough reassessment of the legislative and administrative decisions modifying the codes of conduct at public universities within California. These decisions should include a dialogue with constitutional law experts, civil rights organizations, and educational stakeholders, to ensure the State of California upholds students’ fundamental rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.

Campus safety should be achieved through de-escalation strategies and community engagement, not through military tools. I encourage you to promote a more inclusive dialogue that embraces diverse viewpoints and fosters understanding.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I hope you will prioritize the well-being and safety of our community by opposing the military equipment use policy.

Sincerely,  

[Your Name] 


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