In response to the Taubman Center for Public Policy inviting Commissioner Ray Kelly to present on "proactive policing," we, concerned members of the Brown and Providence community, would like to voice our dissent.

The Taubman Center has a history of being a "hub connecting students, faculty, the community, and distinguished visitors for interdisciplinary study, research, and advocacy of sound public policy and the betterment of American institutions." We believe that hosting Ray Kelly is in direct contradiction to the mission and history of the Center.

We believe that given the Taubman Center's reputation and influence in discussions of public policy on a local and national level, the Taubman Center has the responsibility to facilitate these discussions in good faith.

Commissioner Kelly has a history of implementing aggressive policing policies that systematically target marginalized communities.

We believe that allowing a platform for Commissioner Kelly to speak sends the resounding message that the Taubman Center, as well as Brown University, condones policies, such as Stop and Frisk, that are proven to be harmful and unconstitutional.  


In light of the Taubman Center's mission, in the spirit of Brown University, and in solidarity with the communities that are affected by racial profiling:

1) We demand that the lecture be cancelled.
2) We demand that the honorarium set aside for the lecture be donated to organizations working to end racial profiling and police brutality in Providence and in New York City.
3) We demand transparency in the Taubman Center for Public Policy's decision-making process for inviting speakers to campus.

Signed,