MU YDSA to host town hall, makes claims of over-policing in the city
Nia Hinson
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri’s Young Democratic Democratic Socialists of America allege recent proposals from UM System President Mun Choi would lead to criminalizing homeless
According to a press release from the group, a town hall will be held Wednesday night to discuss policing and housing in the city. The release says Wednesday’s meeting will consist of students and non-students, as well as wards one and two Councilwomen Valerie Carroll and Vera Elwood.
Judy Carter with Columbia Mobile Aid Collective and Susan Maze with the Boone County Community Bail Fund will also be at Wednesday’s meeting.
“The goal of the Town Hall is to amass dedicated advocates and organizers from multiple organizations in one room so campus community members can understand the context we find ourselves in and drive targeted action that fosters community safety,” the release says.
The town hall is being held in response to recent calls from action from Choi after Stephens College student Ayanna Williams was shot and killed downtown in late September.
Since then, the city has taken steps toward increasing policing downtown, and Choi has called for a possible loitering ordinance and the cleanup of homeless encampments. The release says YDSA views those proposals as “irrelevant” to addressing gun violence.
Carroll and Elwood were also two out of the four council members who wrote letters in response to Choi’s proposals in October. The two wrote in the letter that they believed the city needs to separate the issue of homelessness and crime, as the two are not always related.
The City of Columbia proposed a median ordinance last month that is expected to affect panhandling, and are expected to vote on that during its Nov. 17 meeting. However, one councilwoman is seeking a delay on the vote until council members are able to hear more information from other organizations and groups.
If adopted, the ordinance will:
Prohibit crossing a major road anywhere except in a crosswalk, a pedestrian-control signal or an intersection if those things aren’t available.
Prohibit being on a median less than 6 feet wide except when crossing the road.
Prohibit getting out of cars while in a traffic lane or within a major intersection.
Prohibit approaching cars on a major road unless the car is legally parked.
Prohibit people in vehicles from engaging with pedestrians at major intersection.
Wednesday’s town hall is at 6 p.m. at Neff Hall on campus.
Check back for updates.