As were many others, we were deeply inspired by the calls from BIPOC organizers in the summer of 2020 to #DefundThePolice. As peace activists, we know that the key to peace, globally, locally, and interpersonally is not to escalate conflict through state violence or punitive measures, but rather to address the root causes and meet human need.
It is from that movement from which we drew inspiration for our Defund The Pentagon campaign, and in solidarity, we are endorsing the #DefundCPD campaign calling for a 75% decrease of Chicago Police Department budget for it to be reinvested in social services and community programs.