Interesting list of demands and resolution – looks like the students are taking on what many would like to see the council do.
This is a pretty bold move by UW Student Government. I asked ASM Chair Matthew Mitnick what this means and he said “This vote signifies to the UW Police Department and administration that students will no longer allow for their voices to not be heard. We have resorted to such drastic measures as a direct result of unproductive conversations and continued patronization from decision makers. I am honored to be working with such an incredible group of student leaders who are fighting for systemic change.”
PRESS RELEASE
ASM PASSES VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN UWPD
MADISON, WI – Last night, the ASM Student Council passed a Vote of No Confidence in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department (UWPD). This vote signifies a lack of confidence and trust in the UWPD due to their presence at the protests off campus, failure to comply with the #8cantwaitstandards, and unwillingness to meet all or most of the reforms requested by ASM leaders and students.
“I am so proud to see my colleagues on the Student Council stand up for justice with the outcome of this vote. No longer will student voices be silenced. This would also not have been possible without the support and efforts of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Coalition, Teaching Assistants’ Association (TAA), United Faculty and Academic Staff (UFAS), and University Labor Council. ASM will continue to work with these organizations in such efforts,” said ASM Chair Matthew Mitnick.
ASM Grant Allocation Chair Samuel Jorudd was the leader who originally brought forth the Vote of No Confidence in UWPD. ” I am ecstatic to see that the Student Council understands the importance of this vote. We have given a voice to those who have fought too long to be heard, and I’m looking forward to working with UWPD on how to renew trust between them and students,” he added.
In addition to the Vote of No Confidence, the Student Council unanimously passed legislation that calls for academic support for students during COVI0-19. ASM Nominations Board Chair Lennox Owino brought forward the legislation. “I’ m happy to have this legislation passed and that other Student Council members are in support of having more academic support for students affected by the pandemic. I hope this legislation will act as a guidance and referral in terms of shared governance by the school’s administration in designing and curating academic experiences during this current pandemic environment”, he shared.
Finally, the Student Council unanimously passed legislation that calls for support of the BIPOC Coalition. ASM Equity and Inclusion Chair Brandon Springer commented, ‘I’m happy that we were able to pass this legislation and look forward to working with the BlPOC coalition further.”
The next Student Council meeting will be on Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. via a Zoom meeting.
RESOLUTION
Vote of No Confidence in the University of Wisconsin – Madison Police Department
This vote signifies a lack of confidence and trust in the University of Wisconsin –
Madison Police Department due to their presence at the protests off campus, failure
to comply with the #8cantwaitstandards, and unwillingness to meet all or most of the
reforms requested by ASM leaders and students. This vote is our call to action.
LIST OF REFORMS THEY ARE SEEKING
Immediately*
- Ban all chemical weapons and Specialty Impact Munitions, such as tear gas, mace, and impact projectiles.
Within the Month*
- Reestablish the Student Safety Committee and grant it power to have full access to police data, examine patterns in police conduct, list complaints, review incidents, recommend disciplinary actions for UWPD staff, and review the Standard Operating Procedures (mirroring what recently passed at the Madison Common Council for MPD).
- Require 3 warnings in all situations before deadly use of force is employed.
- Ban shooting at moving vehicles in any situation.
Within the Year*
- Expand student seats on UWPD Police Advisory Council. Include at least one BIPOC group seat.
- Ban UWPD officers from residence hall living areas except in cases of violence, sexual assault, immediate risks to students’ health / safety, or by request of House Fellows. Living areas include rooms, bathrooms, floor hallways, student lounges, and elevators except when there is a prearranged community building event.
- Establish a clear and transparent system for if and when students are searched to eradicate arbitrary stops and frisks.
- Make Standard Operating Procedures more clear and concise, as well as remove officer discretion, so that they can be better understood by the public.
*given times do not represent a hard deadline but rather are present to assist in prioritizing.
Matthew also reports that “We have also since added a ban on chokeholds / strangleholds.”
HERE’S CHIEF KRISTIN ROMAN’S STATEMENT IN RESPONSE
Chief Roman Statement on ASM Vote of No Confidence
Chief Kristen Roman has released the following statement following Tuesday night’s vote of no confidence by ASM:
“I’m disheartened. On behalf of the UWPD I say with the utmost confidence that we can be trusted. That doesn’t mean we’re perfect. The UWPD is comprised of human beings, not badges and uniforms. Human beings who endeavor every day to serve our community with honor, with integrity, as guardians promoting safe and healthy communities, treating those we serve with empathy and respect. That truly is who we are.
And so I am disappointed. Not in the questions themselves, or the specific requests for change, but for not being given the opportunity to engage in a full process prior to this vote. A process in which we work together in constructive and meaningful ways. A vote that cuts to the chase and bypasses any opportunity to engage – to share information – to listen, to learn, to clarify, to contextualize – undermines trust-building. I believe my demonstrated willingness to engage openly and honestly and UWPD’s overall service record has at a minimum earned us that opportunity. So I am disappointed in the timing of this vote. I’m also disappointed in the repeated misinformation that continues to be widely asserted as fact by members of this body and others.
That said, I want to thank Matthew and Katie and other ASM leaders with whom we’ve met recently. Thank you for your passion around these important issues. We may disagree on some of the whats hows and whys, but we share a commitment to the process and we don’t shy away from the messiness of it all. I’ll take engagement and difficult conversations every day over apathy. I look forward to continuing our work.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Let’s see if Chief Roman really means what she says and really works for reform. Personally, I’m not holding my breath, I think those are fancy words and what she needs to say in a press release and she’s probably hoping this issue disappears from the news. Given this new group of campus leaders, I’m guessing not.
