“The police militarization that the Trump administration is pursuing is just one more attack on civil rights this year. The order will roll back the expert recommendations developed by a cross-disciplinary team assembled by the Obama administration following the terrifying use of militarized police force during the Ferguson protests in 2014. The order would put military-grade equipment and weapons in the hands of law enforcement for use against the American people. We are especially concerned about the potential for increased police violence against communities of color who have been disproportionately targeted by these paramilitary tactics. A 2014 report showed that 54 percent of those impacted by paramilitary weapons and deployments were people of color – 42 percent were Black . This equipment has also been used to intimidate and commit violence against communities of color, as seen during the Ferguson protests.”

“YWCA believes that all people deserve equal protection under the law. Heightening the potential for catastrophic violence by law enforcement against our communities does not make anyone safer – particularly not women and girls of color who are at the center of YWCA’s mission. We urge the administration to put people first and halt this aggressive militarization strategy.”

YWCA USA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. We are one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the nation, serving over 2 million women, girls, and their families.