Saratoga Springs finds itself in political turmoil as the city council held another open dialogue on police reform on March 31 on zoom. This meeting was the last open dialogue held before the city council voted to adopt the 50-point plan on police reform created by the Saratoga Springs Police Reform Task Force (SSPRTF). The SSPRTF created the 50-point plan to address Saratoga’s reform of the Saratoga Springs Police Department (SSPD). The proposal has been met with reluctance by the Saratoga city council and open hostility from the SSPD. However, the third draft proposed by the city council was passed with only one member in opposition.
Read moreUpdates on the Saratoga Police Reform Task Force Dialogue Ahead of City Council Vote
Earlier this month, the city council published its first resolution to adopt Saratoga Springs Police Reform Task Force’s recommendations for police reform into city policy. Shortly after, they published another. Residents and activists were dissatisfied with the language used in the resolution, which prompted the council to reissue their response last week.
Read moreBreaking Through Boundaries: Dr Yusef Salaam Addresses the Skidmore Community
One of the younger boys that was wrongfully convicted for six and a half years, Yusef Salaam, spoke to Skidmore students this past Thursday, March 6th, hosting both a student workshop in the afternoon and a live Q&A later at night. Given how far-reaching Salaam’s story is, it was an honor to hear him speak about his commitment to advocacy and education regarding police brutality, misconduct, and racial bias in the American criminal justice system.
Read moreStudent Forums Open a Dialogue on Campus Safety Reforms
In the last year, the United States has begun to confront its connected past with racism and racial inequity. College students have been some of the most outspoken voices, with many from all over the country bringing their experiences with racial bias and prejudice to the fore. Many Skidmore College students have followed suit, but the College as an institution has a long way to go before it is considered “outspoken” in issues of racial justice. A central point of contention on campus has been the Skidmore Campus Safety Department and instances of racial prejudice.
Read moreSaratoga Police Reform Task Force Meeting: An Update to the Skidmore Community
Earlier this month, members of the Skidmore community gathered virtually to hear from Professors Winston Grady-Willis and Terry Diggory along with Jason Golub, one of the Co-Chairs of the task force. The task force, composed of 13 members – 8 of whom identify as people of color – is charged with reviewing the policies of the Saratoga Springs Police Department (SSPD).
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