The following letter was sent to members of the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee on May 12, 2015 by Reform California leadership:
Dear Member of the Assembly Appropriations Committee:
As part of our “B’yachad: In This Together” campaign, we write to you in strong support of AB 953, “Law Enforcement: Racial Profiling,” and AB 619, “Reports: Uses of Force and Deaths in Law Enforcement Custody,” introduced by Assembly Member Shirley Weber, and urge the Assembly Appropriations Committee to ensure the funding necessary for their implementation. AB 953 and AB 619 aim to prevent the harmful and unjust practice of racial and identity profiling, and increase transparency and accountability among law enforcement agencies. By passing this legislation with the funding necessary to meet these goals, California can be a model for justice in our nation.
We are leaders of Reform CA, which is the California statewide campaign of the Reform Jewish Movement, the largest Jewish movement in North America, and represents approximately 50,000 Jewish Californians. Our support for this essential legislation is inspired by our sacred text, including Pirkei Avot, which teaches: “Yehi ch’vod chaveirach chaviv aleicha k’shelach: Your friend’s dignity should be as dear to you as your own.” We cannot live with dignity and honor when other Californians, particularly people of color, are not afforded the same dignity. Our hearts are with those who are stopped by police based on the color of their skin, even when there is no evidence of criminal activity. And we share in the pain of those parents who fear that their children will find themselves in a situation that escalates to violence during such a stop.
AB 953 will not only increase protections for people of color, but the proposed new definition of profiling will also protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender residents of California as well as those who are differently-abled. Reform congregations are the spiritual homes of Jews of color, interracial families, parents of adopted children of color, LGBT individuals and families, as well as individuals with physical or mental disabilities, all of whom will be personally affected by this legislation. Reform congregations are also spiritual homes to many in law enforcement who act with exceptional bravery to protect and serve California’s communities and we believe this legislation will benefit both the police and community members by building stronger relationships between them. Reform of unjust systems while respecting the service and sacrifices of these public servants is essential to our cause.
Similarly, AB 619 will increase public access to information concerning law enforcement uses of force that result in death or serious injury, thereby improving transparency and accountability, and providing the data necessary to develop appropriate law enforcement reforms.
We are aware of the frightening statistics in California involving acts of racial and identity profiling and believe we can do better. Passing AB 953 and AB 619 with the requisite level of funding will strengthen equal protection guarantees for all Californians, improve public safety, and advance police-community relations. We stand with Reform CA, in partnership with "Communities United for Fair Policing," in proudly and strongly supporting the passage of this critical legislation.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Kaufman
Chair, Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism
Rabbi Jessica Oleon Kirschner
Bay Area Community Organizer, Just Congregations
