At its March Meeting for Business NFM approved a Minute endorsing the Empowering Communities for Public Safety act, which would create a democratically-elected Civilian Police Accountability Council (CPAC). A letter, signed by our co-clerks, was sent to Mayor Lightfoot with a copy to Governor Pritzker.
Lori Lightfoot, Mayor
121 N LaSalle
Chicago City Hall 4th Floor
Chicago IL 60625
April 16, 2021
Dear Lori Lightfoot,
We write on behalf of Northside Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker) located in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. We are constituents and voters who view promoting justice and equality in our community as sacred work.
The Chicago Police Department is not keeping the peace, but actively inciting violence against the citizens they are supposed to protect and serve.
Police reform is not just a political issue but one of deep moral importance.
You were elected two years ago after campaigning as a no-nonsense reformer. You promised to adhere to the federal consent decree and reform the CPD. You have not upheld this promise.
Our Meeting is united in support for creation of a democratically-elected Civilian Police Accountability Council (CPAC) to oversee the Chicago Police Department. The following Minute was approved by our congregation at our March Meeting for Business.
MINUTE
As Quakers, we believe in the importance of accountability. We are shocked each time we hear of another human brutalized or killed by the Chicago Police Department. Without transparent accountability for their actions we do not expect the Chicago Police Department to change. We believe that enacting transparent, democratic oversight for the Chicago Police Department will help us move towards a more just community.
The Empowering Communities for Public Safety ordinance, currently under consideration by the public safety committee in Chicago City Council, will give communities a decisive role in shaping public safety in their neighborhoods, and create a pathway for community control of the police. The ordinance is endorsed by the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (CAARPR) and the Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability (GAPA) and is consistent with Northside Friends’ corporate Mission on Anti-Racism.
Northside Friends Meeting endorses the Empowering Communities for Public Safety ordinance.
Quakers hold integrity and honesty as core values of our faith. We remind you of the promises you made during your campaign, and invite you to act upon those promises now.
Bruce Kanarek
Marie White
Co-Clerks, Northside Friends Meeting
Cc: J.B. Pritzker, Governor