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ABOUT THE 2023 CAMPAIGN
#1 | NO INCREASE TO POLICE FUNDING
#1 | NO INCREASE TO POLICE FUNDING
MNPD has received year-over-year increases of millions, yet they continue to hold a large number of empty positions. Before any additional increases to any department, that department ought to have filled positions. Despite this, MNPD has a proposed $16 million increase in the current budget. This increase includes around $4 million for police in schools, which we will break down more later. This increase would be significantly more impactful if put toward other things, such as community education, student support, and more.
Aside from having unfulfilled positions, MNPD also has seen call rates fall year over year, the overwhelming majority of MNPD calls are for non-criminal/non-violent matters, and MNPD largely fail to prevent crimes (having shown up *after* a crime has taken place. In recognizing the inefficiencies of armed police, we as students, are calling for holistic alternatives that put the well-being of everyone first and foremost. This is why we are calling for an immediate freeze on new MNPD funding, as the current increase must be put toward people-first programs. For more info, see the Nashville People’s Budget Coalition demands.
Current increase: Around $16 million
#2 | REINSTITUTION OF THE COMMUNITY EDUCATION COMMISSION
#2 | REINSTITUTION OF THE COMMUNITY EDUCATION COMMISSION
In 2020, the Mayor cut all funding for the Community Education Commission. The funding for this program was around 500k, 0.02% of the budget. This program provided essential classes for artistic, athletic, and day-to-day skills. This allowed an essential avenue for those throughout the city to unlock new experiences that were unattainable due to lack of accessibility. It also provided space for youth to engage with their surroundings beyond school, giving them activities unrestricted by exorbitant cost or time restrictions.
For the minuscule cost required for this program, the benefits across the city were immense. In refunding, we would additionally like to see communities like North Nashville and Antioch remain primary targets for the education program, with ultimate expansion over time - benefiting the original breadth. This money can be derived from the nearly $16 million increase for MNPD, an increase we staunchly oppose.
Expected cost: $500k - $1 million
#3 | PROPOSED INCREASES TO SRO FUNDING BE DIVERTED TOWARD HIRING STUDENT SUPPORT STAFF
#3 | PROPOSED INCREASES TO SRO FUNDING BE DIVERTED TOWARD HIRING STUDENT SUPPORT STAFF
Metro schools are required to have police on campus, which is a detriment to students. These police officers don’t serve to protect students; often, they actively harm students physically or mentally. In 2022, a child was pepper sprayed by an SRO at Hunters Lane, an MNPS high school. In other places in Tennessee, and throughout the country, kids have been assaulted or murdered by these police officers.
While SRO removal is a priority of ours, we must build the stage for equitable and healthy schooling. Some of the existential issues within schools that SROs claim to solve, yet instead exacerbate, would be solved through school psychologists, emotional counselors, nurses, and social workers. Many MNPS schools – particularly on the high school level – fails to have these support staff. With a nearly $4 million increase in SROs proposed, we are demanding this funding be set aside for school support staff that actually solves the fundamental issues that we students face.
Expected cost: Around $4 million
GET INVOLVED
Join us at our June 5th budget event @ Dragon Park, from 6-7:30pm. Recap here!
Endorse our demands below.
Show up to the June 6th public comment in solidarity with TNSU. It is extremely easy to do so! Contact us here for more information if needed. Recap here!
Contact your district Council Member and our four at-large Council Members on endorsing CM Ginny Welsch's amendments to the budget. Amendments 6, 9, 11, & 12 all reinstate the Community Education Commission while 7, 8, 10, 13 freezes all MNPD increases (without mention of community education). See more here!
Join TNSU in disciplined community organizing (see FAQs here & get involved here).
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