Thread by @TinaBurdsall

At the PSU Board of Trustees meeting which will be discussing the arming of our security. After the shooting of Jason Washington by campus security, and their lack of indictment this summer, it is time to discuss.
#DisarmPSU

The Washington family had been asked if they would like to talk. They would not, but expressed that the PSU student union were able to represent their opinions. #DisarmPSU

First up, a professor in the Urban Studies Department. "I don't feel safer with armed security on campus"
#DisarmPSU

Now a student testifying. "you had the power to make the decision then, you have the power now ro change it"
#DisarmPSU

A full auditorium here this morning in solidarity with #DisarmPSU

Testimony about the damaging culture of cops and the impact on communities, including PSU.
#DisarmPSU

Another professor up.
"I am standing in front of you to remind you of what has come before" (we have stood with the students since the original discussion started)
"Faculty are watching how you respond.... we will continue to stand that watch"
#DisarmPSU

A common theme from faculty - "we have been here since before this board and will be here after all of you are gone, and we have been and remain opposed to the arming of campus security"
#DisarmPSU

Students listing their three demands:
1 - immediate disarmament of PSU CPSO
2 - firing of the two security who killed Jason Washington
3 - a permanent memorial dedicated to Jason Washington
#DisarmPSU

Student who has been a part of the occupation of the security department at PSU -
"This model of policing is meant to sweep the homeless people off of campus, not protect students"
#DisarmPSU

"Not here to appeal to your morality, again"
"what is maintaining this policy worth to you?"
"Don't try to evade your responsibility for this death"
#DisarmPSU

I am very impressed by the powerful student speakers - poised, passionate, and intelligent. They've done their research.
Continuing chants "Disarm PSU"
#DisarmPSU

"Truly be a safe place for black and brown bodies here at PSU"
"PSU is so proud of its innovation...and we are innovative, so let's be innovative [and reimagine security without arms]"
#DisarmPSU

"Cops don't protect people, they protect property"
"We have 3 demands, and they are not multiple choice... without doing all three of these, you have failed our community"
#DisarmPSU

[btw live tweeting is not easy]
Rep from Jobs with Justice urgently supports the call for disarming the campus security. They have members from student union, AAUP, PSUFA members, and community.
#DisarmPSU

10 minute break called. Student activists encouraging everyone to come back to show continued support.
#DisarmPSU

We are back.
"This is embarrassing - you have not been listening to your students"
"We are over this"
"You are nodding your heads up there, but you have CPSU stationed right outside these doors"
#DisarmPSU

A faculty who came at break said that the main doors to this building were locked! Who did this?
#DisarmPSU

A retired letter carrier testifying about the reverberations that this has had throughout the letter carrier union.
#DisarmPSU

"This is not a business, it is a school"
#DisarmPSU

A brave student discussing how she does not want the CPSU to be disarmed. "It is a bigger issue than just CPSU... living on campus we have been harassed and don't feel safe"
[I have thoughts about her argument, but for later]
#DisarmPSU

Donald Thompson III, a student representative brings up the point that the board is not elected by the students, so they don't feel responsible to answer to students.
#DisarmPSU

A category I haven't been including (oops) Alumni!
Alumni came out in support of disarming security
#DisarmPSU

Faculty statements about failed shared governance when decision to arm security.
#DisarmPSU

Professor in conflict resolution discussing other options (de-escalation) and the expertise on campus that has been ignored. Proposal to train police at start of this policy was ignored.
#DisarmPSU

Unfortunately, I need to leave for class. Students showing their research skills, their empathy, and their leadership skills at the Board of Trustees and I am so very, very proud of them.
#DisarmPS